An Autumn Day

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Lyric Poem
    Leaden skies and a lonesome shadow          Where summer has passed with her gorgeous train;     Snow on the mountain, and frost on the meadow -          A white face pressed to the window pane;     A cold mist falling, a bleak wind calling,          And oh! but life seems vain.     Rain is better than golden weather,          When the heart is dulled with a dumb despair.     Dead leaves lie where they walked together,          The hammock is gone, and the rustic chair.     Let bleak snows cover the whole world over -          It will never again seem fair.     Time laughs lightly at youth's sad 'Never,'          Summer shall come again, smiling once more,     High o'er the cold world the sun shines for ever,          Hearts that seemed dead are alive at the core.     Oh, but the pain of it -oh, but the gain of it,          After the shadows pass o'er.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem is a poignant exploration of themes such as loss, despair, and the healing power of time. The poet uses vivid imagery and stark contrasts to bring these themes to life. The initial stanzas paint a picture of a bleak, desolate winter landscape, reflecting the speaker's internal state of desolation and despair after experiencing loss. This sense of loss is further emphasized with images of "dead leaves" and an abandoned "rustic chair," symbolizing a past relationship or time of happiness that is now gone.

Despite the melancholy tone of the first two stanzas, the final stanza offers a glimmer of hope. The poet uses the metaphor of the changing seasons to symbolize the inevitability of change and the potential for renewal. The phrase "Time laughs lightly at youth's sad 'Never,'" suggests that despair is temporary and that healing is possible with time. This shift towards optimism is further emphasized by the metaphor of the sun that "shines forever," suggesting the enduring nature of hope and resilience.

The recurring motif of weather and the changing seasons is a significant literary device used by the poet to illustrate the cyclical nature of life and emotions. The poem's structure, which shifts from despair to hope, mirrors this cycle, making the reader experience the poet’s journey from loss to acceptance and eventual healing. The repetition of "oh, but the pain of it - oh, but the gain of it," in the final line underscores the paradoxical nature of painful experiences, reinforcing the idea that they are often accompanied by personal growth and wisdom.

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.