Decay by Georgia Douglas Johnson
The poem explores the relentless passage of time and its inevitable effects on life and beauty. It begins with a vivid depiction of time as a swift force, moving through a summer landscape, symbolizing the fleeting nature of moments. The speaker reflects on the transition from the warmth of summer to the coldness of winter, representing the cycle of life and the approach of death. As the poem progresses, the speaker acknowledges the fading of the present, marked by the diminishing noontide hour. The imagery of shadows suggests the encroachment of darkness and the end of vitality. The act of counting beads made of amethyst and gold signifies a contemplation of precious moments, emphasizing their transient nature. The speaker grapples with the duality of beauty and decay, recognizing that what is cherished is also subject to loss. The poem captures a sense of urgency and melancholy, as the speaker confronts the reality of time's passage and the inevitability of change. The interplay between light and shadow serves as a metaphor for life’s fleeting joys and the sorrow of their eventual disappearance. Ultimately, the work reflects on the human experience, the desire to hold onto beauty, and the acceptance of life's impermanence. The speaker's introspection reveals a deep awareness of the cycles of existence, blending themes of nature, time, and the emotional weight of memory. The poem resonates with a universal truth about the human condition, encapsulating the tension between the desire to preserve moments and the acceptance of their transitory nature.
By Georgia Douglas Johnson · First published 1913 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Nature · 80 words
First lines
Swift-footed Time, how eagerly you go Across the swaying summer grasses bed As on in breathless haste you hurry me To Winter with its chilling winds and snow.
The noontide hour is fading -- in my hair The furtive shadows caper and recline.
I tell my beads of amethyst and gold So near at end, so passing dear and fair.
What this Textopian page supports
Decay is listed on Textopian as a poem by Georgia Douglas Johnson, dated 1913 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Date: 1913 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Nature, Philosophical, Modernist
- Length: 80 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections on time and nature.
- Nature — Themes of nature and the passage of time are central to the poem's imagery.
- Philosophical — The poem contemplates deeper existential themes related to time and mortality.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Symbolism · Imagery · Nature · Mortality · Existentialism · Philosophy · Psychological Insight · Emotional Depth · Inner Turmoil · Social Commentary