The Hearts Desire

By Madison Julius Cawein

Lyric Poem
    God made her body out of foam and flowers,     And for her hair the dawn and darkness blent;     Then called two planets from their heavenly towers,     And in her face, divinely eloquent,     Gave them a firmament.     God made her heart of rosy ice and fire,     Of snow and flame, that freezes while it burns;     And of a starbeam and a moth's desire     He made her soul, to'ards which my longing turns,     And all my being yearns.     So is my life a prisoner unto passion,     Enslaved of her who gives nor sign nor word;     So in the cage her loveliness doth fashion     Is love endungeoned, like a golden bird     That sings but is not heard.     Could it but once convince her with beseeching!     But once compel her as the sun the South!     Could it but once, fond arms around her reaching,     Upon the red carnation of her mouth     Dew its eternal drouth!     Then might I rise victorious over sadness,     O'er fate and change, and, with but little care,     Torched by the glory of that moment's gladness,     Breast the black mountain of my life's despair,     And die or do and dare.

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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 deeply passionate exploration of divine love and desire, wherein the poet utilizes nature as a metaphor to portray his intense sentiments. The poet's adoration for the woman, whom he equates to a divine entity, is so deep that it results in a feeling of entrancement, drawing parallels to religious or spiritual devotion. This theme is emphasized through vivid metaphors and striking imagery.

The structure of the poem, in five stanzas, offers a logical progression of the poet's feelings. It moves from admiration and longing, to a sense of imprisonment by unrequited love, to a desperate plea for reciprocation, and finally to a resolution of either overcoming despair or succumbing to it. This progression illustrates the author's emotional journey, making the poem dynamic and engaging.

The tone is highly emotional, characterized by an almost desperate yearning. The poet uses contrasting elements, like "rosy ice and fire," and "snow and flame," to convey the complexity and paradoxes of his emotions. Notable literary devices include personification and allusion to Greek mythology, specifically the creation of Aphrodite from sea foam. The recurring use of celestial imagery, with references to planets, starbeams, and a firmament, imparts a sense of sublimity to the woman, elevating her to a divine status. This celestial imagery also underscores the enormity of the poet's love and his feeling of insignificance in comparison.

In conclusion, the poem is a fervent expression of unrequited love, conveyed through the use of vivid and contrasting imagery, deeply emotional tone, and a structure that effectively captures the progression of the poet's emotional journey.

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.