The Dryad.

By Madison Julius Cawein

Lyric Poem
    I have seen her limpid eyes     Large with gradual laughter rise      Through wild-roses' nettles,     Like twin blossoms grow and stare,     Then a hating, envious air      Whisked them into petals.     I have seen her hardy cheek     Like a molten coral leak      Through the leafage shaded     Of thick Chickasaws, and then,     When I made more sure, again      To a red plum faded.     I have found her racy lips,     And her graceful finger-tips,      But a haw and berry;     Glimmers of her there and here,     Just, forsooth, enough to cheer      And to make me merry.     Often on the ferny rocks     Dazzling rimples of loose locks      At me she hath shaken,     And I've followed - 'twas in vain -     They had trickled into rain      Sun-lit on the braken.     Once her full limbs flashed on me,     Naked where some royal tree      Powdered all the spaces     With wan sunlight and quaint shade,     Such a haunt romance hath made      For haunched satyr-races.     There, I wot, hid amorous Pan,     For a sudden pleading ran      Through the maze of myrtle,     Whiles a rapid violence tossed     All its flowerage, - 'twas the lost      Cooings of a turtle.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem intertwines themes of fleeting beauty, desire, and nature with a tone that is both celebratory and wistful. The poet presents a vivid portrait of a woman, but her image is consistently elusive and transitory, akin to natural phenomena. This ever-changing imagery suggests the poet's struggle to capture her beauty or perhaps, to hold onto a moment or memory that is fading away.

The structure of the poem, broken into six stanzas, each focused on different elements of the woman's features, creates a sense of rhythm and order even within the chaotic, fleeting images. The poet's use of similes and metaphors, comparing the woman's features to natural elements, is striking. Her eyes are like "twin blossoms," her cheek leaks "like a molten coral," and her limbs are compared to an environment "for haunched satyr-races." These comparisons not only suggest her beauty but also hint at her being an integral part of the natural world, elusive and ephemeral like the changing seasons.

The poet also employs personification, as in "a hating, envious air / whisked them into petals," imbuing the natural world with human emotions, contributing to the overall sense of enchantment and mystery. The final stanza introduces a mythical element with the mention of "amorous Pan," adding another layer to the poem's romantic, whimsical tone. Despite the evanesiveness of the woman's image, her presence is potent enough to 'cheer' and 'make merry.' Overall, the poem is a rich tapestry of natural imagery, conveying the transient beauty of not just the woman, but of life itself.

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.