'Lily Bed, The' by Isabella Valancy Crawford
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His cedar paddle, scented, red,
He thrust down through the lily bed;
Cloaked in a golden pause he lay,
Locked in the arms of the placid bay.
Trembled alone his bark canoe
As shocks of bursting lilies flew
Thro' the still crystal of the tide,
And smote the frail boat's birchen side;
Or, when beside the sedges thin
Rose the sharp silver of a fin;
Or when, a wizard swift and cold,
A dragon-fly beat on in gold
And jewels all the widening rings
Of waters singing to his wings;
Or, like a winged and burning soul,
Dropped from the gloom an oriole
On the cool wave, as to the balm
Of the Great Spirit's open palm
The freed soul flies. And silence clung
To the still hours, as tendrilts hung,
In darkness carven, from the trees,
Sedge-buried to their burly knees.
Stillness sat in his lodge of leaves;
Clung golden shadows to its eaves,
And on its cone-speced floor, like maize,
Red-ripe, fell sheaves of knotted rays.
The wood, a proud and crested brave;
Bead-bright, a maiden, stood the wave.
And he had spoke his soul of love
With voice of eagle and of dove.
Of loud, strong pines his tongue was made;
His lips, soft blossoms in the shade,
That kissed her silver lips--hers cool
As lilies on his inmost pool--
Till now he stood, in triumph's rest,
His image painted in her breast.
One isle 'tween blue and blue did melt,--
A bead of wampum from the belt
Of Manitou--a purple rise
On the far shore heaved to the skies.
His cedar paddle, scented, red,
He drew up from the lily bed;
All lily-locked, all lily-locked,
His light bark in the blossoms rocked.
Their cool lips round the sharp prow sang,
Their soft clasp to the frail sides sprang,
With breast and lip they wove a bar.
Stole from her lodge the Evening Star;
With golden hand she grasped the mane
Of a red cloud on her azure plain.
It by the peaked, red sunset flew;
Cool winds from its bright nostrils blew.
They swayed the high, dark trees,and low
Swept the locked lilies to and fro.
With cedar paddle, scented, red,
He pushed out from the lily bed.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Deep Dive into Isabella Valancy Crawford’s Lily Bed
“Lily Bed” is a poem that has stood the test of time, a classic that has remained relevant since its first publication in 1884. Its intricate language and evocative imagery have captivated readers for over a century, and its themes of love, loss, and beauty continue to resonate with people of all ages.
As a literary critic and interpreter, I could not help but feel excited at the prospect of analyzing and interpreting this undeniably beautiful poem. In this 4000-word essay, I will delve deep into the intricacies of “Lily Bed,” exploring its themes, symbols, and poetic devices, and examining its relevance in the contemporary world.
Themes
At its core, “Lily Bed” is a poem about love and loss. The speaker mourns the loss of her lover, who has passed away, and she seeks solace in nature, particularly in the lilies that grow on his grave. The poem is filled with vivid descriptions of the lilies, which are portrayed as symbols of both beauty and decay, representing the fleeting nature of life.
The poem also explores the theme of immortality, with the speaker longing for a love that transcends death. She speaks of her desire to be buried alongside her lover, to be reunited with him in death. This desire for immortality is a common theme in literature, particularly in the Romantic tradition, which often emphasizes the power of love to conquer death.
Another important theme in the poem is the connection between nature and the human experience. The speaker finds comfort in nature, particularly in the lilies that grow on her lover’s grave. She describes the lilies as “gentle souls,” suggesting that they possess a kind of consciousness or spirit. This idea of nature as a living, breathing entity is also a common theme in Romantic literature.
Symbols
As mentioned earlier, the lilies in “Lily Bed” are an important symbol in the poem. They represent both beauty and decay, life and death, and the fleeting nature of existence. The speaker describes the lilies in vivid detail, highlighting their delicate petals and sweet fragrance. However, she also notes that they wither quickly, symbolizing the transience of life.
The bed of lilies itself is also a powerful symbol, representing both death and rebirth. It is a place of rest and peace, but also of sorrow and loss. The speaker finds comfort in the lilies, but also recognizes the finality of death.
The grave is another important symbol in the poem. It represents the end of life, but also the possibility of a new beginning. The speaker longs to be buried alongside her lover, suggesting that death is not the end, but rather a continuation of the cycle of life.
Poetic Devices
“Lily Bed” is filled with poetic devices that enhance the beauty and emotional impact of the poem. The most noticeable device is Crawford’s use of imagery, particularly in her descriptions of the lilies. She uses sensory language to bring the lilies to life, painting a picture of their delicate petals, sweet fragrance, and gentle beauty.
Another important device in the poem is Crawford’s use of repetition. She repeats the phrase “lily bed” several times throughout the poem, emphasizing its importance and creating a sense of rhythm and musicality. She also repeats the phrase “my love is dead,” highlighting the speaker’s grief and creating a sense of sadness and loss.
Crawford also employs metaphor throughout the poem, comparing the lilies to “gentle souls” and the grave to a “bed of rest.” These metaphors add depth and complexity to the poem, allowing the reader to view the natural world in a new and profound way.
Interpretations
“Lily Bed” is a poem that has been interpreted in a variety of ways over the years. Some readers see it as a meditation on the power of love to conquer death, while others view it as a commentary on the fleeting nature of existence. Still others see it as a celebration of nature and its ability to provide comfort and solace in times of grief.
One interpretation of the poem that I find particularly compelling is that it represents a rejection of traditional ideas about death and mourning. The speaker does not view death as something to be feared or avoided, but rather as a natural part of the cycle of life. She finds solace in the lilies and in the knowledge that her lover is at peace, rather than in the traditional rituals of mourning.
Another interpretation of the poem is that it represents a celebration of the beauty and complexity of the natural world. The speaker finds comfort in the lilies and in the knowledge that they will continue to grow and thrive, even after her lover has passed away. This suggests a belief in the power of nature to provide continuity and stability in an ever-changing world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Lily Bed” is a timeless and powerful poem that continues to captivate readers over a century after its initial publication. Its themes of love, loss, and beauty remain relevant today, and its vivid imagery and poetic devices continue to inspire and move readers. Whether interpreted as a meditation on death and mourning or as a celebration of the natural world, “Lily Bed” is a poem that deserves to be read and cherished by generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The classic poem "Lily Bed, The" by Isabella Valancy Crawford is a beautiful and evocative piece of literature that captures the essence of nature and its beauty. The poem is a celebration of the natural world and the beauty that can be found in even the smallest things. It is a poem that speaks to the heart and soul of anyone who has ever been moved by the beauty of nature.
The poem begins with a description of a lily bed, which is a place where lilies grow. The lily bed is described as a place of great beauty, where the lilies grow tall and strong, and their fragrance fills the air. The poet describes the lilies as being "white and pure as snow," which is a beautiful image that conjures up thoughts of purity and innocence.
The lily bed is also described as being a place of great peace and tranquility. The poet describes the lilies as being "calm and still," which is a beautiful image that suggests a sense of serenity and calmness. The lily bed is a place where one can go to escape the chaos and noise of the world and find peace and quiet.
The poem then goes on to describe the various creatures that inhabit the lily bed. The poet describes the bees that buzz around the lilies, collecting nectar and pollen. The bees are described as being "busy and gay," which is a beautiful image that suggests a sense of joy and happiness. The bees are also described as being "drowsy and slow," which is a beautiful image that suggests a sense of relaxation and contentment.
The poem also describes the butterflies that flutter around the lilies, their wings flashing in the sunlight. The butterflies are described as being "bright and gay," which is a beautiful image that suggests a sense of joy and happiness. The butterflies are also described as being "delicate and fair," which is a beautiful image that suggests a sense of fragility and beauty.
The poem then goes on to describe the birds that sing in the lily bed. The poet describes the birds as being "sweet and clear," which is a beautiful image that suggests a sense of purity and clarity. The birds are also described as being "wild and free," which is a beautiful image that suggests a sense of freedom and independence.
The poem then concludes with a beautiful image of the lily bed at night. The poet describes the lilies as being "white and pure as stars," which is a beautiful image that suggests a sense of purity and innocence. The lily bed is also described as being "calm and still," which is a beautiful image that suggests a sense of serenity and calmness. The poem ends with the image of the lily bed bathed in moonlight, a beautiful and peaceful place where one can go to find peace and tranquility.
In conclusion, "Lily Bed, The" by Isabella Valancy Crawford is a beautiful and evocative poem that celebrates the beauty of nature and the peace and tranquility that can be found in even the smallest things. The poem is a celebration of the natural world and the beauty that can be found in it. It is a poem that speaks to the heart and soul of anyone who has ever been moved by the beauty of nature.
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