'An Evening Song.' by Sidney Lanier
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Look off, dear Love, across the sallow sands,
And mark yon meeting of the sun and sea,
How long they kiss in sight of all the lands.
Ah! longer, longer, we.
Now in the sea's red vintage melts the sun,
As Egypt's pearl dissolved in rosy wine,
And Cleopatra night drinks all.'Tis done,
Love, lay thine hand in mine.
Come forth, sweet stars, and comfort heaven's heart;
Glimmer, ye waves, round else unlighted sands.
O night! divorce our sun and sky apart
Never our lips, our hands.
Editor 1 Interpretation
An Evening Song: An Analysis of Sidney Lanier's Poem
As the sun sets and the day comes to a close, people often turn to poetry to express their feelings of reflection and contemplation. One such poem that encapsulates this mood is "An Evening Song," written by Sidney Lanier. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the themes, structure, and language of the poem to uncover its depth and beauty.
Background and Context
Before we dive into the poem itself, it's important to understand the context in which it was written. Sidney Lanier was an American poet, musician, and author who lived from 1842 to 1881. He was known for his musical poetry, and "An Evening Song" is no exception. It was written in 1879, during Lanier's battle with tuberculosis, which eventually led to his death two years later. This knowledge adds a layer of poignancy to the poem, as we know that Lanier was writing during a difficult time in his life.
Themes
At its core, "An Evening Song" is a poem about the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life. The speaker of the poem reflects on the past, present, and future, and the inevitability of change. This theme is evident from the opening lines of the poem:
Look off, dear Love, across the sallow sands, And mark yon meeting of the sun and sea, How long they kiss in sight of all the lands. Ah! longer, longer, we.
Here, the speaker is admiring the beauty of the sunset and the way the sun seems to kiss the sea. However, there is a sense of longing in the lines "Ah! longer, longer, we." The speaker knows that this moment cannot last forever and wishes that it could.
This theme of impermanence is echoed throughout the poem, as the speaker reflects on the passing of time and the inevitability of change:
Yet come to-night; for thou wilt find the sea Deep-dyed with hues of passion; and the strife Of love, once quelled, renewed should be, And passion flame in life.
The sea, a symbol of change and impermanence, is described as being "Deep-dyed with hues of passion," suggesting that even though the emotions of the lovers may have calmed down, they can be reignited at any time.
Structure
The structure of "An Evening Song" is a series of three stanzas, each with eight lines. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, giving it a rhythmic and musical quality that is characteristic of Lanier's poetry. Each stanza follows the same ABAB rhyme scheme, with the exception of the first stanza, which has an AABBCCDD rhyme scheme. This deviation from the pattern adds to the sense of longing and nostalgia in the first stanza, as the speaker reflects on the past.
In addition to its rhythmic structure, "An Evening Song" also has a narrative structure. The poem begins with the speaker observing the sunset and reflecting on the past. In the second stanza, the speaker addresses their lover, inviting them to share in the beauty of the moment. The third stanza brings the poem full circle, as the speaker returns to their contemplation of the sunset and the passage of time.
Language and Imagery
Perhaps the most striking aspect of "An Evening Song" is its use of vivid and evocative imagery. Lanier's descriptions of the sunset and the sea are particularly striking, as they create a sense of beauty and awe:
Look off, dear Love, across the sallow sands, And mark yon meeting of the sun and sea, How long they kiss in sight of all the lands.
Here, the sunset is described as a meeting between the sun and the sea, and their "kiss" is a metaphor for the beauty of the moment. The use of alliteration in "sallow sands" also adds to the sensory experience of the poem.
Throughout the poem, Lanier uses the sea as a symbol of change and impermanence:
And, Love, before the moonrise shall dispel The pale enchantment of the dying day, Let us become the same as those who dwell In the true twilight way.
Here, the setting of the sun and the arrival of the moon mark the passage of time, and the speaker urges their lover to enjoy the moment before it is gone.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "An Evening Song" is a beautiful and evocative poem that captures the fleeting nature of life and the passage of time. Sidney Lanier's use of vivid imagery and rhythmic structure create a sense of beauty and awe that is both mesmerizing and poignant. The poem serves as a reminder to cherish the moments we have and to appreciate the beauty of the world around us, even as it changes and evolves.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
An Evening Song by Sidney Lanier is a classic poem that has been cherished by poetry enthusiasts for generations. This beautiful piece of literature is a perfect example of how a poet can use language to create a vivid and emotional experience for the reader. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language used in An Evening Song to understand why it is such a beloved poem.
The poem begins with the speaker describing the beauty of the evening sky. The first line, "Look off, dear Love, across the sallow sands," sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is addressing their loved one, inviting them to share in the beauty of the moment. The use of the word "sallow" to describe the sands is interesting because it suggests a sense of decay or death. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the passing of time, which is a recurring theme throughout the poem.
As the poem progresses, the speaker continues to describe the beauty of the evening. They use vivid imagery to paint a picture of the scene, saying, "The sun has set, and the pale moonlight / Falls like a white veil on the dusky world." The use of the word "pale" to describe the moonlight is significant because it suggests a sense of sadness or melancholy. This could be interpreted as a reflection of the speaker's own emotions, which are also a recurring theme throughout the poem.
The next stanza of the poem introduces the theme of love. The speaker says, "The world is resting, love, and you and I / Are the world's only inhabitants tonight." This line suggests that the speaker and their loved one are alone in the world, which creates a sense of intimacy and closeness. The use of the word "inhabitants" is interesting because it suggests that the speaker and their loved one are not just observers of the world, but active participants in it.
The theme of time is revisited in the next stanza, where the speaker says, "The hours are fleeting fast, and yet they seem / To linger by us, as they go their way." This line suggests that time is both fleeting and eternal, which is a common theme in poetry. The use of the word "lingering" is interesting because it suggests that the speaker is aware of the passing of time, but is also trying to hold onto the moment.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most emotional. The speaker says, "Oh, love, let us be true / To one another! for the world, which seems / To lie before us like a land of dreams, / So various, so beautiful, so new, / Hath really neither joy, nor love, nor light, / Nor certitude, nor peace, nor help for pain; / And we are here as on a darkling plain / Swept with confused alarms of struggle and flight, / Where ignorant armies clash by night." This final stanza is a powerful reflection on the nature of life and love. The speaker suggests that the world is a place of confusion and struggle, but that love is the one thing that can bring peace and certainty.
The language used in An Evening Song is beautiful and poetic. The use of vivid imagery and metaphors creates a sense of emotion and depth that is rare in modern poetry. The poem is also structured in a way that creates a sense of progression and development. The themes of time, love, and the nature of existence are revisited throughout the poem, creating a sense of unity and coherence.
In conclusion, An Evening Song by Sidney Lanier is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. Its themes of love, time, and the nature of existence are timeless and universal. The language used in the poem is beautiful and poetic, creating a vivid and emotional experience for the reader. If you are a fan of poetry, then An Evening Song is a must-read.
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