The Old Garden

Author: Madison Julius Cawein

    Spurge and sea-pink, hyssop blue,
    Dragonhead of purple hue;
    Catnip, frosted green and gray,
    With blue butterflies a-sway,
    These may point you out the way.

    These and Summer's acolytes,
    Crickets, singing days and nights,
    Tell you the old road again;
    And adown the tangled lane
    Lead you to her window-pane.

    Goldenrod and goldenglow
    Crowd the gate in which you go;
    To your arm they cling and catch,
    Kiss the hand that lifts the latch,
    Guide you to her garden-patch.

    O'er the fence the hollyhock
    Leans to greet you; and the stock
    Looks as if it thought, "I knew
    You were coming. Gave the cue
    To the place to welcome you."

    And the crumpled marigold
    And the dahlia, big and bold,
    With Sweet Williams, white and red,
    Nod at you a drowsy head
    From the sleepy flowerbed.

    Where all day the brown bees croon,
    Honey-drunk; and stars and moon
    All night long lean down to hear,
    In the silence far and near,
    Whippoorwills a-calling clear.

    While adown the dewy dark
    Flits a flame, a firefly spark,
    Leading to a place of myrrh,
    Where, in lace and lavender,
    Waits the Loveliness of her.
Send via Email Share via WhatsApp Share on X

Type of Poem: Narrative Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a vivid and evocative journey through a natural landscape that serves as a pathway to a romantic encounter. The tone is one of gentle anticipation and delight, underscored by the rich and detailed imagery of flora and fauna which gives life to the journey. The recurring theme of love and longing is expressed through the metaphorical language of nature, presenting the encounter as a harmonious part of the natural world.

The poem's structure is consistent, following a specific rhythm and rhyme scheme that contributes to the overall serene atmosphere. The use of color throughout, particularly in the naming of the flowers, creates a vibrant, sensory experience for the reader. Notable literary devices include alliteration, as in "Summer's acolytes, / Crickets, singing days and nights," which adds a musical quality to the lines. The poet also personifies the flowers and insects, attributing to them actions and feelings typical of humans, such as the hollyhock that "Leans to greet you" and the crumpled marigold that "Nods at you a drowsy head." This serves to emphasize the interconnectedness of all elements of the natural world, including human emotions and actions.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.