The Magic Purse

By Madison Julius Cawein

Lyric Poem
    What is the gold of mortal-kind     To that men find     Deep in the poet's mind!     That magic purse     Of Dreams from which     God builds His universe!     That makes life rich     With, many a vision;     Taking the soul from out its prison     Of facts with the precision     A wildflower dons     When Spring comes knocking at the door     Of Earth across the windy lawns;     Calling to Joy to rise and dance before     Her happy feet:     Or with the beat     And bright exactness of a star,     Hanging its punctual point afar,     When Night comes tripping over Heaven's floor,     Leaving a gate ajar.     That leads the Heart from all its aching     Far above where day is breaking;     Out of the doubts, the agonies,     The strife and sin, to join with these     Hope and Beauty and Joy that build     Their golden walls     Of sunset where, with spirits filled,     A Presence calls,     And points a land     Where Love walks, silent; hand in hand     With the Spirit of God, and leads Man right     Out of the darkness into the light.

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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 celebration of the transformative power of poetry and imagination, emphasizing their value above earthly wealth. The poet portrays the mind as a "magic purse / Of Dreams," suggesting that invention and creativity are invaluable resources. The theme of transcendence is prominent, with the poem illustrating the ability of poetry to liberate the soul from the confines of reality, likened to a prison "Of facts."

The poem's structure is meticulously crafted, with a rhythmic flow that mirrors the journey it describes. The tone is optimistic and uplifting, employing vivid imagery and metaphors that highlight the beauty and magic of the poetic imagination. The poem also utilizes personification, casting Spring, Night, Joy, Hope, Beauty, and Love as characters that interact with the world. The poem concludes on a hopeful note, suggesting that imagination (symbolized by poetry) can guide humanity from darkness into light.

In terms of literary devices, the poet employs alliteration ("prison / Of facts with the precision") and assonance ("wildflower dons / When Spring comes knocking") to enhance the poem's musicality. Additionally, the poet uses metaphorical language, such as "God builds His universe" and "the beat / And bright exactness of a star," to underscore the potency and precision of the poetic imagination.

Overall, this poem is a tribute to the creative spirit, emphasizing its capacity to elevate human experience and guide us through life's challenges.

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.