Author: Eugene Field

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    How trifling shall these gifts appear
    Among the splendid many
    That loving friends now send to cheer
    Harvey and Ellen Jenney.

    And yet these baubles symbolize
    A certain fond relation
    That well beseems, as I surmise,
    This festive celebration.

    Sweet friends of mine, be spoons once more,
    And with your tender cooing
    Renew the keen delights of yore--
    The rapturous bliss of wooing.

    What though that silver in your hair
    Tells of the years aflying?
    'T is yours to mock at Time and Care
    With love that is undying.

    In memory of this Day, dear friends,
    Accept the modest token
    From one who with the bauble sends
    A love that can't be spoken.

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Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: The poem celebrates the timelessness of love, portraying Harvey and Ellen's relationship as one that defies the passage of time, marked by affection and devotion.
Sentimental Reflection:

Field reflects on the past joys of courtship and encourages the couple to renew the "rapturous bliss of wooing," linking the innocence of youthful love to the richness of their enduring bond.
Time and Aging:

While the silver hair symbolizes aging, the poem asserts that true love transcends time and remains a source of joy and vitality.
Tokens and Symbolism:

The "two spoons" are more than mere objects; they symbolize the unity, intimacy, and shared life of the couple, tying the tangible gift to a deeper emotional connection.
Structure and Form:
The poem is composed of six quatrains, each adhering to the same rhyme scheme, creating a consistent rhythm. The straightforward, formal structure reflects the celebratory occasion while the conversational tone personalizes the message, drawing the reader (or the couple) into its sentiment.

Analysis of Key Elements:
Imagery and Symbolism:
The Spoons:

Represent unity and partnership, emphasizing the couple’s compatibility and shared life experiences.
"Spoons" also play on a humorous double entendre, referencing youthful flirtation ("spooning") and adding a layer of lightheartedness to the poem.
Silver in Hair:

Symbolizes aging, but Field uses it positively, showing that love endures and even grows more meaningful with time.
The Modest Token:

The gift itself is humble, but it carries deep symbolic meaning, showing that the value of a gesture lies in the love and thought behind it.
Tone:
The tone is affectionate and celebratory, blending humor, sentimentality, and sincerity. Field's warm language conveys his admiration and good wishes for the couple, creating a sense of intimacy and shared joy.
Sound Devices:
The rhyme and rhythm lend the poem a lilting, almost conversational quality. Alliteration ("tender cooing," "mock at Time and Care") enhances the musicality and playfulness of the verse.
Interpretation:
This poem is an ode to love’s endurance, using the symbolism of two spoons to honor a relationship that has weathered time with grace and affection. It encourages the couple to revisit the joys of their youth and cherish the memories they’ve created together. Field’s balance of humor and heartfelt sentiment underscores the message that love is not just a feeling but a lifetime commitment that grows richer over time.

Context and Universality:
While written for a specific couple, the poem speaks to a universal experience—the celebration of enduring love. Field masterfully captures the charm of a personal moment while embedding themes that resonate with any couple celebrating the milestones of a shared life.