Mnemosyne

By Madison Julius Cawein

Lyric Poem
    In classic beauty, cold, immaculate,     A voiceful sculpture, stern and still she stands,     Upon her brow deep-chiselled love and hate,     That sorrow o'er dead roses in her hands.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is an evocative piece that skillfully uses personification and vivid imagery to explore themes of beauty, emotion, and loss. The subject, a "voiceful sculpture," serves as a symbol of timeless, unchanging beauty, and also as a vessel for intense and conflicting emotions. The author describes the sculpture as cold and stern, yet bearing expressions of love and hate on her brow, thereby creating a paradox that mirrors the complexities of human emotion.

The tone of the poem is poignant and reflective, with a sense of sorrow and nostalgia underlying the description of the sculpture. This somber mood is further underscored by the image of "dead roses" in the sculpture's hands, which symbolize loss and mortality. The poem's structure contributes to its impact, with the compact, four-line format packing a wealth of meaning into each line and creating a rhythm that is both soothing and haunting. It's a poignant reminder of the transience of life contrasted with the enduring nature of art.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.