Smothered Fires
The poem explores the internal struggle of a woman who harbors deep, unexpressed emotions and desires, symbolized by a "burning flame" that she conceals beneath layers of sorrow and tears. This flame represents her passions and aspirations, which she has suppressed over the years, leading to a sense of conflict and weariness. The imagery of ashes signifies the remnants of her once-vibrant spirit, now stifled by societal expectations or personal fears. As the poem progresses, the flickering light that occasionally emerges from the "dusky bed" suggests moments of hope or awakening, yet she quickly silences these feelings, choosing to let them fade away. This cycle of repression highlights the tension between her inner self and the external pressures that compel her to conform. The conclusion marks a turning point, where the "weary war" of suppression comes to an end. The lighting of tapers symbolizes a newfound recognition of her desires and a willingness to embrace them. The soft "good-night" signifies a release from the struggle, suggesting a transition towards acceptance and the possibility of rekindling her inner flame. The work ultimately reflects themes of resilience, the complexity of female identity, and the journey towards self-acceptance.
By Georgia Douglas Johnson · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Women's Literature · 105 words
First lines
A woman with a burning flame Deep covered through the years With ashes. Ah! she hid it deep, And smothered it with tears.
Sometimes a baleful light would rise From out the dusky bed, And then the woman hushed it quick To slumber on, as dead.
At last the weary war was done The tapers were alight, And with a sigh of victory She breathed a soft -- good-night!
What this Textopian page supports
Smothered Fires is listed on Textopian as a poem by Georgia Douglas Johnson, dated 1917 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: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Women's Literature, Romanticism, Symbolism
- Length: 105 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is a poem that explores deep emotional themes through structured verse.
- Literary Fiction — The poem delves into complex human emotions and experiences, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Women's Literature — The themes of the poem center around a woman's internal struggles and emotional depth.
- Romanticism — The poem reflects romantic ideals of emotion, nature, and the inner self.
Tags
Poetry Collection · African American Literature · Early 20th Century Poetry · Southern Gothic · Domestic Violence · Marriage · Motherhood · Feminism · Racism · Societal Expectations · Restrictive Roles · Silenced Voices