Double Carnations

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Narrative Poem
         A wild Pink nestled in a garden bed,     A rich Carnation flourished high above her,          One day he chanced to see her pretty head     And leaned and looked again, and grew to love her.          The Moss (her humble mother) saw with fear     The ardent glances of the princely stranger;          With many an anxious thought and dewy tear     She sought to hide her darling from this danger.          The gardener-guardian of this noble bud     A cruel trellis interposed between them.          No common Pink should mate with royal blood,     He said, and sought in every way to wean them.          The poor Pink pined and faded day by day:     Her restless lover from his prison bower          Called in a priestly bee who passed that way,     And sent a message to the sorrowing flower.          The fainting Pink wept as the bee drew near,     Droning his prayers, and begged him to confess her.          Her weary mother, over-taxed by fear,     Slept, while the priest leaned low to shrive and bless her.          But lo! ere long the tale went creeping out,     The rich Carnation and the Pink were married!          The cunning bee had brought the thing about     While Mamma Moss in Slumber's arms had tarried.          And proud descendants of that loving pair,     The offspring of that true and ardent passion,          Are famous for their beauty everywhere,     And leaders in the floral world of fashion.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is an enchanting exploration of themes of class divide, love, and rebellion, all told through an anthropomorphized tale of flora. The poem follows a rich Carnation and a humble Pink, who fall in love despite society (represented by the gardener) attempting to keep them apart due to their differing statuses. The narrative is a clever way of exploring themes of societal tension and rebellion against the status quo.

The tone of the poem interweaves melancholy and hope, emphasizing the lovers' longing and sorrow, but also their eventual triumph. The poem adopts a traditional structure, using a regular rhyme scheme and meter, which creates a rhythmic flow and adds a sense of familiarity to the tale. The use of anthropomorphism, giving human characteristics to flowers, is a standout literary device, which allows the poet to create an engaging narrative while exploring deeper human concerns. The poem, while having a fairy-tale like quality, also subtly critiques societal norms and class divisions, making it a poignant piece of poetry.

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.