Adoniram. A Legend of the Temple.

By Harriet Annie Wilkins

Narrative Poem
        The dew was gone,     The morn was bright, the skies were fair,     The flowers smiled neath the sunbeams ray,     Tall cedars grew in beauty there.     As Adoniram took his way,         To Lebanon.         Praise his heart filled,     More than four hundred years had fled,     Since from stern Egypt marched the bands,     Whose sons, with Solomon at their head,     And Tyrian brethern's skilful hands,         Prepare to build.         He watched them there,     Round every block, and every stone,     Masonic implements were laid,     But around one were many thrown,     And yet it seemed already made,         Tried, true and square.         He wandering spake,     "Are not all from one mountain brought     As jewels for a diadem,     Why, have they at this one stone wrought,     Will not all see Jerusalem.         One house to make?"         The Widow's son     Smiled kindly in his brother's face,     And said "All are made ready here,     But not all fill the same high place,     The Corner stone this will be near,         When toil is done."         The listener bent,     His eyes on the unfinished stone,     And found himself a wiser man,     Through that rough child of mountains lone,     A ray of the Grand Master's plan,         To him was sent.         From Masonry,     That just man learnt that woes are thrown     Around God's children, pain and care,     But draw them near the corner stone,     With the Great Architect to share,         Heaven's blazonry.

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline

Share the Love of Poetry
More Poems
More Narrative Poems
Daily Poem

Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a vivid narrative that is steeped in biblical and masonic references, creating an atmosphere of reverence and contemplation. The poem begins with a picturesque morning scene, using nature as a symbol of creation and divine beauty. This imagery sets the stage for the protagonist, Adoniram, who embarks on a journey to Lebanon, representing a pilgrimage of sorts.

The theme of creation is echoed in the building of Solomon’s temple, a task that requires both physical labour and spiritual commitment. The poem employs a significant masonic symbol, the cornerstone, which signifies moral and ethical principles, and represents the foundation on which a moral life or spiritual journey can be built. The dialogue between Adoniram and the Widow's son offers a lesson on the importance of each individual’s role in the grand scheme of things, and the significance of the cornerstone in life's edifice.

The tone of the poem is reflective and didactic, using the narrative as a tool to impart wisdom about the importance of understanding one's role and purpose within a larger context. The structure of the poem, composed in stanzas with a consistent rhyme scheme, provides a rhythmic flow that adds to the narrative quality of the poem. The poem uses the literary device of symbolism extensively to convey its message, with the cornerstone, the mountain, and the temple all serving as symbols of spiritual enlightenment and moral integrity.

In conclusion, the poem is a thoughtful exploration of themes of duty, wisdom, and spiritual growth, told through a narrative that draws heavily on biblical and masonic symbolism.

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.