The Gladiolas

By Madison Julius Cawein

Lyric Poem
    As tall as the lily, as tall as the rose,      And almost as tall as the hollyhocks,     Ranked breast to breast in sentinel rows      Stand the gladiola stocks.     And some are red as the humming-bird's blood      And some are pied as the butterfly race,     And each is shaped like a velvet hood      Gold-lined with delicate lace.     For you know the goblins that come like musk      To tumble and romp in the flowers' laps,     When you see big fire-fly eyes in the dusk,      Hang there their goblin caps.

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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 delightful and vivid exploration of nature and fantasy, blending the real and the imagined in a seamless manner. It employs rich imagery and vibrant colors to paint a picture of a whimsical, enchanted garden scene. The poem is framed around the vivid description of the gladiola flowers, which are as tall as lilies, roses, and hollyhocks, and come in colors as varied as a hummingbird's blood-red hue and the multi-colored pattern of a butterfly.

The structure of the poem follows a rhythmic and rhyming pattern, which adds a musical quality to the verses and enhances the sense of whimsy. The personification of the flowers standing in "sentinel rows" and the goblins who "tumble and romp in the flowers' laps" instills a sense of playful liveliness. This embellishes the central theme of nature's enchantment and mystery. The poet creates a fantastical scene where goblins play amidst the flowers, their caps shaped like the "velvet hood" of the gladiolas. The final image of "fire-fly eyes in the dusk" hanging like goblin caps is particularly evocative, leaving the reader with a sense of wonder and magic. The tone of the poem is light-hearted and whimsical, inviting the reader to partake in the joy and marvel of nature's beauty and the imaginative world the poet has conjured.

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.