September

By Madison Julius Cawein

Sonnet
    The bubbled blue of morning-glory spires,     Balloon-blown foam of moonflowers, and sweet snows     Of clematis, through which September goes,     Song-hearted, rich in realized desires,     Are flanked by hotter hues: by tawny fires     Of acrid marigolds, that light long rows     Of lamps, and salvias, red as day's red close,     That torches seem by which the Month attires     Barbaric beauty; like some Asian queen,     Towering imperial in her two-fold crown     Of harvest and of vintage; all her form     Majestic gold and purple: in her mien     The might of motherhood; her baby brown,     Abundance, high on one exultant arm.

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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 vibrant exploration of nature and the changing seasons, specifically the transition from summer to fall. The poet uses a rich tapestry of imagery, personifying September as a majestic queen dressed in the bright colors of autumn. The first half of the poem is filled with softer hues and textures, evoking the gentleness of morning and the lingering sweetness of summer. The progression into the second half brings forth the fiery, intense colors of fall, symbolizing the onset of a richer, more mature season.

The structure of the poem is tightly woven, with a consistent rhyme scheme that adds to its musical quality. The poet's use of alliteration and assonance, such as "bubbled blue" and "balloon-blown foam," creates a soothing rhythm that contrasts with the fiery imagery. The final lines, where September is personified as an "Asian queen," embodying "the might of motherhood," and holding "Abundance," provide a powerful metaphor for the season's bountiful harvest. This allusion to motherhood and abundance also underscores the themes of fertility, growth, and maturity. The overall tone is one of reverence and awe for the beauty and power of nature, and the cyclical, transformative process of life.

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.