Peony by Bliss Carman (1916)
Peony is a poem written by Bliss Carman in 1890. The poem is about a woman who is mourning the loss of her lover, and it explores themes of grief, longing, and the fleeting nature of life. The speaker of the poem reflects on the passing of time and the way that memories can be both comforting and painful. The poem also touches on the idea of the transience of beauty and the importance of cherishing the present moment.
By Bliss Carman · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Nature, Philosophy · 524 words
First lines
"_Pionia virtutem habet occultam._" Arnoldus Villanova -- 1235-1313.
_Arnoldus Villanova Six hundred years ago Said Peonies have magic, And I believe it so. There stands his learned dictum Which any boy may read, But he who learns the secret Will be made wise indeed._
What this Textopian page supports
Peony is listed on Textopian as a poem by Bliss Carman, dated 1916 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Bliss Carman
- Date: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature, Philosophy
- Length: 524 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Peony by Bliss Carman
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Peony?
- How does this poem by Bliss Carman fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Hohenlinden by Alice Meynell
- The Garden Of Saint Rose by Bliss Carman
- Cold Is The Wind Where Daphne Sleeps by Bliss Carman
- The Weeds Counsel by Bliss Carman
- At Sunrise by Bliss Carman
- The Gift by Bliss Carman
Genres
- Poetry — Bliss Carman is known for his work as a poet and his rich, descriptive language illustrating natural scenery which is present in 'Peony'.
- Nature — Bliss Carman often takes inspiration from nature, incorporating it heavily into his works including 'Peony'.
- Philosophy — The book 'Peony' also contemplates on themes such as the nature of beauty and the passage of time, making Philosophy a relevant genre.
Tags
poetry · nature · flora · fauna · romance · love · longing · melancholy · inspiration · beauty · symbolism · metaphor