Fiction by Georgia Douglas Johnson
The poem explores themes of love, longing, and the ephemeral nature of beauty. The speaker expresses a desire to embrace love without overanalyzing it or delving into its complexities. The imagery of "webbed gauze" suggests a delicate, intricate nature of love that is both alluring and elusive. The speaker chooses to hold love tenderly rather than interrogate it, indicating a preference for emotional experience over intellectual scrutiny. As the day transitions to evening, the speaker acknowledges the urgency of time, symbolized by the act of gathering flowers before darkness falls. This metaphor reflects the fleeting moments of love and beauty that must be cherished before they fade away. The poem captures a sense of bittersweet acceptance, recognizing the inevitability of change while still valuing the present experience of love. The overall tone is one of gentle resignation, emphasizing the importance of savoring love's moments without the burden of deeper inquiry.
By Georgia Douglas Johnson · First published 1912 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 61 words
First lines
Ah! love!
I shall not seek to penetrate Your webbed gauze Nor tease my heart By queries deep, But hold you tenderly; The day is evening, And I must cull my flowers 'Ere dark.
What this Textopian page supports
Fiction is listed on Textopian as a poem by Georgia Douglas Johnson, dated 1912 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: 1912 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric, Modernism, Symbolism
- Length: 61 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for Fiction by Georgia Douglas Johnson
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Pages From Life by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Companion by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Your Eyes by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Retrospection by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Le Soir by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Attar by Georgia Douglas Johnson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, utilizing poetic devices and structure.
- Romanticism — Themes of love and emotional expression are central to the text.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal feelings and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Modernism — The style reflects modernist tendencies in its exploration of subjective experience.
Tags
Poetry Collection · African American Literature · Early 20th Century · Free Verse · Social Justice · Racial Equality · Feminism · Domestic Life · Marriage · Motherhood · Childbirth · Love