The Nixes' Song.

By Madison Julius Cawein

Lyric Poem
         Vague, vague 'neath darkling waves,          With emerald-curving caves             For the arched skies,          Red-walled with dark dull gold          The Nixes' city old             Deep-glimmering lies.     And thro' the long green nights the spangling spars          Twinkle like milky stars.          Where the wind-ripple plays          On tufts of dipping sprays             Sparkling we rock;          With blooming fingers bare          Comb down our golden hair             In many a lock;     While, poured o'er naked ease of cool, moist limbs,          An amber glamour swims.          Or in the middle night          When cold damp fire-flies light             Pale flitting brands          Down all the woodland aisles,          With swift mysterious smiles             Link we white hands,     And where the moonlight haunts the drowsy lake          Bask in its silver wake.          Come join, come join our dance          While the warm starbeams glance,             And the kind moon          Spills all her flowers of light          At the dark feet of Night,             And soon, full soon,     Thou'lt sleep in shadowy halls where dim and cold          Our city's walled with gold.

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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 richly-imagined fantasy that transports the reader to an underwater world, filled with Nixies, or water spirits, from German mythology. The poem's tone is haunting, mysterious, and lilting, creating a sense of dreamlike enchantment. The narrative is presented from the perspective of the Nixies, inviting the reader to share in their ethereal experiences.

The structure of the poem is consistent, with each stanza presenting a different aspect of the Nixies' world and lifestyle. This arrangement adds a rhythmical and sequential flow to the narrative. The poet makes extensive use of visual imagery, painting vivid pictures of the Nixies’ city and their activities. This is complemented by the use of metaphorical language, such as "red-walled with dark dull gold" and "twinkle like milky stars", which further enhances the fantastical atmosphere. The repeated invitation to "come join our dance" creates a sense of allure and intrigue, while also subtly highlighting the poem's themes of seduction and dreamlike escapism. Finally, the use of natural elements like moonlight, starbeams, and the lake not only sets the scene but also symbolizes freedom, peace, and the allure of the unknown.

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.