Maiden May by Christina Georgina Rossetti
Maiden May sits in a rose bower, wondering why roses are thorny and fragile and comparing the songs and solitude of different birds. The narrator reflects on unresolved mysteries and urges her to enjoy her present youth, leaving tomorrow to bring its own losses and burdens.
By Christina Georgina Rossetti · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Philosophical Poetry, Nature Poetry · 808 words
First lines
Maiden May sat in her bower, / In her blush rose bower in flower, / Sweet of scent; / Sat and dreamed away an hour, / Half content, half uncontent.
"Why should rose blossoms be born, / Tender blossoms, on a thorn / Though so sweet? / Never a thorn besets the corn / Scentless in its strength complete.
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — Rhymed five-line stanzas voice May's wondering thoughts and the narrator's direct appeals to her.
- Philosophical Poetry — Questions about fragility and solitary distinction widen into reflections on unknowable mysteries and the limits of human reasoning.
- Nature Poetry — Roses, thorns, corn, and the songs of linnets, skylarks, and nightingales supply the objects of May's questioning.
Tags
roses · birdsong · youth · uncertainty · present moment
What this Textopian page supports
Maiden May is listed on Textopian as a poem by Christina Georgina Rossetti, dated Date unknown.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Christina Georgina Rossetti
- Date: Date unknown
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Philosophical Poetry, Nature Poetry
- Length: 808 words
- Structure: 1 section, 19 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Maiden May by Christina Georgina Rossetti
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