Return by Georgia Douglas Johnson
The poem explores themes of love, loss, and memory through vivid imagery and emotional resonance. It begins with a reflection on solitude, likening the speaker's thoughts to the sound of pines, suggesting a deep connection to nature and introspection. The mention of "love's ancient tomb" indicates a sense of mourning for a past relationship, evoking feelings of nostalgia and sorrow. The imagery of a "shattered cup" symbolizes brokenness and the remnants of a once-vibrant love. The "banquet weird" suggests that even in loss, there is a haunting beauty, as the speaker contemplates the remnants of love that linger in memory. The ghostly presence of love implies that while the relationship may be over, its impact continues to resonate within the speaker. Throughout the work, the interplay between light and darkness, presence and absence, creates a poignant atmosphere. The speaker grapples with the complexities of love, acknowledging both its joys and its inevitable decline. The poem ultimately reflects on the enduring nature of love, even when it transforms into something intangible and melancholic. The exploration of these themes invites readers to consider their own experiences with love and loss, making the work universally relatable.
By Georgia Douglas Johnson · First published 1918 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 76 words
First lines
Now, Like the pines intoning Though some solitary gloom, My errant throughts go pattering About love's ancient tomb, And though no breath of incense rare Lies round the shattered cup, A banquet weird, the fragments Where the ghost of love May sup.
What this Textopian page supports
Return 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: 76 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, utilizing poetic devices and structure.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, loss, and nostalgia are central to the poem.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols, such as 'pines' and 'love's ancient tomb,' conveys deeper meanings.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Early 20th Century · African American · Symbolism · Imagery · Nature · Emotion · Identity · Social Justice · Racism · Suffering