A Suggestion, To C. A. D.

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Sonnet
    Let the wild red-rose bloom.    Though not to thee          So delicately perfect as the white          And unwed lily drooping in the light,     Though she has known the kisses of the bee          And tells her amorous tale to passers-by     In perfumed whispers and with untaught grace,     Still let the red-rose bloom in her own place;          She could not be the lily should she try.     Why to the wondrous nightingale cry hush          Or bid her cease her wild heart-breaking lay,          And tune her voice to imitate the way     The whip-poor-will makes music, or the thrush?          All airs of sorrow to one theme belong,     And passion is not copyrighted yet.     Each heart writes its own music.    Why not let          The nightingale unchided sing her song?

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem employs a compelling use of naturalistic imagery and metaphor to explore themes of authenticity, individuality, and the importance of embracing one's unique identity. The wild red-rose and the nightingale stand as representations of individuals who, despite not adhering to conventional standards of beauty or behaviour (symbolized by the white lily and the whip-poor-will or the thrush), possess their own unique allure and merit.

The poet's tone is one of acceptance and celebration of diversity, emphasizing that each entity, be it a rose, a nightingale, or metaphorically, a person, has a place in the world. The structure of the poem, with its regular rhyme scheme and rhythmic flow, adds to this impression of natural order and harmony.

The phrase "passion is not copyrighted yet" stands out as a particularly powerful statement, a defiant assertion of the right of all beings to express their emotions and experiences in their own distinctive way. Moreover, the notion that "each heart writes its own music" underscores the poem's central theme of individuality. It suggests that everyone's experiences and feelings are unique and worthy of respect, much like the wild red-rose and the nightingale in their natural environment.

Understanding the Sonnet

The sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry, known for its strict structure and profound themes. With a history spanning centuries, sonnets have been used to explore love, beauty, politics, and mortality, all within the confines of just 14 lines.

Sonnets are characterized by their precise form and rhyme scheme, which vary depending on the type of sonnet. Here’s a closer look:

  • Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Composed of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This form often builds a complex argument or narrative, culminating in a powerful closing statement.
  • Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), with a typical rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns in the sestet such as CDECDE or CDCDCD. The octave usually presents a problem, with the sestet providing a resolution.
  • Meter: Sonnets are traditionally written in iambic pentameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances its emotional impact.

The sonnet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a small but potent package, making it a favorite form for poets seeking to explore profound themes with precision and elegance.