The Old Byway

By Madison Julius Cawein

Lyric Poem
    Its rotting fence one scarcely sees     Through sumac and wild blackberries,     Thick elder and the bramble-rose,     Big ox-eyed daisies where the bees     Hang droning in repose.     The little lizards lie all day     Gray on its rocks of lichen-gray;     And, insect-Ariels of the sun,     The butterflies make bright its way,     Its path where chipmunks run.     A lyric there the redbird lifts,     While, twittering, the swallow drifts     'Neath wandering clouds of sleepy cream, -     In which the wind makes azure rifts, -     O'er dells where wood-doves dream.     The brown grasshoppers rasp and bound     Mid weeds and briers that hedge it round;     And in its grass-grown ruts, - where stirs     The harmless snake, - mole-crickets sound     Their faery dulcimers.     At evening, when the sad west turns     To lonely night a cheek that burns,     The tree-toads in the wild-plum sing;     And ghosts of long-dead flowers and ferns     The winds wake, whispering.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This piece is a vivid exploration of nature and its inhabitants, exuding a sense of tranquility and intimacy with the natural world. The poet employs rich, evocative imagery to paint a detailed and vibrant picture of a rustic landscape, teeming with life and beauty. The rotting fence, sumac, blackberries, lizards, and butterflies all serve as individual brushstrokes in this pastoral tableau.

The poem's tone is reflective and serene, creating an atmosphere of peaceful coexistence between the observer and the observed. The use of personification - insects as 'Ariels of the sun', snakes as 'harmless', and crickets playing 'faery dulcimers' - gives the wildlife a magical quality, indicating a deep respect and fascination for nature's minutiae. The poem's rhythmic structure and consistent rhyme scheme further contribute to its soothing, lulling effect.

As the poem reaches its conclusion, it takes a slightly melancholic turn, with the 'sad west' burning and 'ghosts of long-dead flowers and ferns' whispering. This evokes a sense of transience and the inevitable passage of time, reminding us that while nature is enduring, its individual manifestations are ephemeral. Overall, this poem is a poignant tribute to the quiet beauty and mystery of the natural world, encouraging readers to adopt a slower, more contemplative approach to life.

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.