The Garden Of Dreams

By Madison Julius Cawein

Lyric Poem
    Not while I live may I forget     That garden which my spirit trod!     Where dreams were flowers, wild and wet,     And beautiful as God.     Not while I breathe, awake, adream,     Shall live again for me those hours,     When, in its mystery and gleam,     I met her 'mid the flowers.     Eyes, talismanic heliotrope,     Beneath mesmeric lashes, where     The sorceries of love and hope     Had made a shining lair.     And daydawn brows, whereover hung     The twilight of dark locks: wild birds,     Her lips, that spoke the rose's tongue     Of fragrance-voweled words.     I will not tell of cheeks and chin,     That held me as sweet language holds;     Nor of the eloquence within     Her breasts' twin-moond molds.     Nor of her body's languorous     Wind-grace, that glanced like starlight through     Her clinging robe's diaphanous     Web of the mist and dew.     There is no star so pure and high     As was her look; no fragrance such     As her soft presence; and no sigh     Of music like her touch.     Not while I live may I forget     That garden of dim dreams, where I     And Beauty born of Music met,     Whose spirit passed me by.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem deeply explores themes of memory, longing, and the sublime power of transient beauty. The speaker is haunted by an ethereal, almost divine, encounter with a woman in a "garden of dim dreams," a place where the boundary between reality and fantasy blurs. This woman's beauty is described in lush, sensual detail, with a strong emphasis on the senses - sight, smell, touch, and even sound. The poet's use of floral and celestial imagery underscores her ethereal nature, and his language is steeped in romantic idealization, casting her as an almost otherworldly figure.

The poem's structure and tone complement its themes effectively. The first and last stanzas bookend the piece with the poignant refrain "Not while I live may I forget," encapsulating the speaker's longing and the lasting impact of this ephemeral encounter. This repetition, coupled with the consistent rhythmic pattern, gives the poem a lyrical, song-like quality that enhances its romantic and dreamlike atmosphere. The poet's use of metaphor and vivid imagery, such as "eyes, talismanic heliotrope" and "her breasts' twin-moond molds," is particularly striking, contributing to the overall impression of the woman as an enchanting, almost magical entity. This poem is a testament to the captivating power of beauty and the profound imprint such a fleeting encounter can leave on the human heart.

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.