Glamour by Georgia Douglas Johnson
The poem explores themes of youth, beauty, and the fleeting nature of life. It invites a lover to embrace the present moment, highlighting the allure of youth and the intoxicating experience of love. The imagery of a "rosy veil" symbolizes the innocence and enchantment of youth, while the "asphodel of bliss" suggests a paradise of happiness that is ephemeral. As the poem progresses, there is a stark contrast between the joy of the present and the inevitable arrival of wisdom and reality, which can be harsh and unkind. The speaker urges their lover to cherish the moment, as time will eventually strip away the illusions of youth, revealing the harsher truths of life. The call to "drink life's magic wine" emphasizes the importance of savoring experiences before they fade. The tone is both celebratory and melancholic, reflecting the duality of love and life. The speaker acknowledges the beauty of the present while simultaneously recognizing the inevitability of change and loss. The poem serves as a poignant reminder to embrace love and joy while they last, as the passage of time brings with it the wisdom that can often lead to disillusionment.
By Georgia Douglas Johnson · First published 1918 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 82 words
First lines
O come while youth's bright rosy veil Beguiles your eyes and mine, Let's tread the asphodel of bliss, And drink life's magic wine: Soon time will rend the gossamer, To wisdom's cruelty, While we are blind, my love, be kind, For soon, too soon, we see!
What this Textopian page supports
Glamour is listed on Textopian as a poem by Georgia Douglas Johnson, dated 1918 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: 1918 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric, Symbolism, Modernism
- Length: 82 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Romanticism — The themes of love, beauty, and the fleeting nature of youth align with Romantic ideals.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols like 'asphodel' and 'magic wine' conveys deeper meanings.
Tags
Poetry · Feminism · Suffrage · Social Justice · Racism · Sexism · Classism · Identity · Empowerment · Autobiography · Memoir · Personal Narrative