Night And Storm At Gloucester

By Madison Julius Cawein

Sonnet
    I heard the wind last night that cried and wept     Like some old skipper's ghost outside my door;     And on the roof the rain that tramped and tore     Like feet of seamen on a deck storm-swept.     Against the pane the Night with shudderings crept,     And crouched there wailing; moaning ever more     Its tale of terror; of the wrath on shore,     The rage at sea, bidding all wake who slept.     And then I heard a voice as old as Time;     The calling of the mother of the world,     Ocean, who thundered on her granite crags,     Foaming with fury, meditating crime.     And then, far off, wild minute guns; and, hurled     Through roaring surf, the rush of sails in rags.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a vivid personification of the elements, painted in hues of fear and awe. The speaker's encounter with the wind, rain, and ocean takes on a spectral, almost haunting quality. The theme of nature's might is prominent, portrayed through the use of maritime imagery. The wind is likened to a "skipper's ghost," the rain to the "feet of seamen," and the ocean to the "mother of the world," reflecting nature's dominion over human existence.

The tone of the poem is decidedly eerie, underscored by the menacing imagery and the relentless personification of nature as a sentient, malevolent force. The structure of the poem, following a consistent rhyme scheme, lends a rhythmic quality that mirrors the relentless onslaught of the storm. The poem is rich in literary devices, particularly metaphor and personification, which work to underscore the poem's overarching themes. The final image of "sails in rags" hurled through the roaring surf encapsulates the poem's central message, a stark reminder of our frailty before nature's unbridled power. Despite its ominous tone, the poem is undeniably compelling in its vivid depiction of the elements at their most fearsome and awe-inspiring.

Understanding the Sonnet

The sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry, known for its strict structure and profound themes. With a history spanning centuries, sonnets have been used to explore love, beauty, politics, and mortality, all within the confines of just 14 lines.

Sonnets are characterized by their precise form and rhyme scheme, which vary depending on the type of sonnet. Here’s a closer look:

  • Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Composed of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This form often builds a complex argument or narrative, culminating in a powerful closing statement.
  • Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), with a typical rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns in the sestet such as CDECDE or CDCDCD. The octave usually presents a problem, with the sestet providing a resolution.
  • Meter: Sonnets are traditionally written in iambic pentameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances its emotional impact.

The sonnet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a small but potent package, making it a favorite form for poets seeking to explore profound themes with precision and elegance.