The Hamadryad

By Madison Julius Cawein

Lyric Poem
    She stood among the longest ferns     The valley held; and in her hand     One blossom, like the light that burns     Vermilion o'er a sunset land;     And round her hair a twisted band     Of pink-pierced mountain-laurel blooms:     And darker than dark pools, that stand     Below the star-communing glooms,     Her eyes beneath her hair's perfumes.     I saw the moonbeam sandals on     Her flowerlike feet, that seemed too chaste     To tread true gold: and, like the dawn     On splendid peaks that lord a waste     Of solitude lost gods have graced,     Her face: she stood there, faultless-hipped,     Bound as with cestused silver, chased     With acorn-cup and crown, and tipped     With oak leaves, whence her chiton slipped.     Limbs that the gods call loveliness!     The grace and glory of all Greece     Wrought in one marble shape were less     Than her perfection! 'Mid the trees     I saw her and time seemed to cease     For me. And, lo! I lived my old     Greek life again of classic ease,     Barbarian as the myths that rolled     Me back into the Age of Gold.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem vividly paints a portrait of a woman, presenting her as an epitome of natural beauty and grace. The speaker employs vivid and lush imagery, likening her to various elements of the natural world—a blossom, moonbeams, the dawn, and even majestic peaks. There's a strong romantic, even idolatrous, tone, seen in the idealized and almost worshipful descriptions of the woman.

The poem is structured in three stanzas, each contributing to the unfolding of an image that is at once surreal and tangible. The poet uses a variety of rich literary devices, such as simile, metaphor, and personification, to enhance the sensory experience of the poem. Thematically, the poem touches upon ideas of love, beauty, nostalgia, and the power of the past. The reference to the 'Age of Gold' suggests a longing for a bygone era of perceived perfection and splendor, a sentiment further emphasized by the speaker 'living [his] old Greek life again.' This poem is not just a tribute to an individual woman, but a testament to the enduring allure of classical ideals.

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.