Desire by Georgia Douglas Johnson
The poem explores the theme of yearning and the pursuit of one's deepest desires. It opens with a call to the "everlasting doors," symbolizing a longing for transcendence and fulfillment. The speaker expresses a desire to escape the mundane and oppressive realities of life, represented by "dusty boulevards." As the poem progresses, the speaker is drawn to the allure of faint lights, which symbolize hope and the promise of a more vibrant existence. This desire propels the speaker forward, urging them to seek out the "halls resplendent" of their dreams, suggesting a quest for personal and spiritual enlightenment. The imagery evokes a sense of urgency and determination, as the speaker grapples with the tension between their current state and the ideal they aspire to reach. The poem captures the essence of human aspiration, the struggle against limitations, and the relentless pursuit of one's innermost yearnings. Ultimately, the work reflects on the transformative power of desire, illustrating how it can inspire individuals to transcend their circumstances and strive for a more fulfilling existence. The interplay of light and darkness serves as a metaphor for the journey toward self-actualization, emphasizing the importance of hope and vision in the face of adversity.
By Georgia Douglas Johnson · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Symbolism · 53 words
First lines
Ope! ye everlasting doors, unto my soul's demand, I would go forward, fare beyond these dusty boulevards, Faint lights and fair allure me all insistently And I must stand within the halls resplendent, of my dreams.
What this Textopian page supports
Desire is listed on Textopian as a poem by Georgia Douglas Johnson, 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: Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Date: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Symbolism, Lyrical, Modernism
- Length: 53 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure to convey deep emotions and themes.
- Romanticism — The themes of desire and aspiration reflect the ideals of Romanticism, focusing on individual emotion and the pursuit of dreams.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols, such as 'everlasting doors' and 'halls resplendent', conveys deeper meanings and emotional states.
- Lyrical — The personal and emotional expression characteristic of lyrical poetry is evident in the exploration of the speaker's desires.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Personification · Free Verse · Feminist Themes · Racial Identity · Social Justice · Love · Desire