The Rape Of The Mist

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Lyric Poem
    High o'er the clouds a Sunbeam shone,          And far down under him,     With a subtle grace that was all her own,          The Mist gleamed, fair and dim.     He looked at her with his burning eyes          And longed to fall at her feet;     Of all sweet things there under the skies,          He thought her the thing most sweet.     He had wooed oft, as a Sunbeam may,          Wave, and blossom, and flower;     But never before had he felt the sway          Of a great love's mighty power.     Tall cloud-mountains and vast space-seas,          Wind, and tempest, and fire -     What are obstacles such as these          To a heart that is filled with desire?     Boldly he trod over cloud and star,          Boldly he swam through space,     She caught the glow of his eyes afar          And veiled her delicate face.     He was so strong and he was so bright,          And his breath was a breath of flame;     The Mist grew pale with a vague, strange fright,          As fond, yet fierce, he came.     Close to his heart she was clasped and kissed;          She swooned in love's alarms,     And dead lay the beautiful pale-faced Mist          In the Sunbeam's passionate arms.

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

Create Image

Transform this poem into a beautiful shareable image

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline

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

Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a beautifully crafted allegory, using elements of nature to represent the power and often destructive force of passionate love. The Sunbeam and the Mist are personified, their interaction playing out a romantic but tragic love story. The poet skillfully uses vivid imagery to create a sense of the ethereal, sublime beauty of the Mist and the overwhelming, fiery power of the Sunbeam.

The overall tone of the poem is romantic, yet tinged with a sense of impending tragedy. The Sunbeam's passionate pursuit of the Mist, despite the vast obstacles of "cloud-mountains and space-seas," underscores the theme of overwhelming desire. The Sunbeam's love, though intense, is ultimately destructive, as evidenced by the demise of the Mist in his arms.

The structure of the poem, with its consistent rhyme scheme and rhythm, contributes to the sense of a grand, sweeping narrative, while the use of metaphor and personification adds depth and emotional resonance. The final image of the "beautiful pale-faced Mist" lying dead in the Sunbeam's arms is haunting, illustrating the destructive potential of unchecked passion. This poem, while deeply romantic, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unbridled desire.

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.