Supreme by Georgia Douglas Johnson
The poem explores themes of love, beauty, and the passage of time. It begins by celebrating the physical attributes of a beloved, emphasizing the joy and ecstasy found in intimate moments. The imagery of "fairest lips" and "brightest eyes" suggests an idealized vision of love, where the beloved's features are intertwined with deep emotional connections. As the poem progresses, it reflects on the constancy of love amidst life's inevitable changes. The phrase "unchangingly through changing time" highlights the enduring nature of true affection, suggesting that genuine love transcends the superficial aspects of life. The notion of "greatest love" is presented as a profound understanding that persists even when life becomes a mere "afterglow," indicating a sense of nostalgia and the bittersweet nature of memories. Overall, the work encapsulates the essence of love as both a physical and emotional experience, emphasizing its lasting impact despite the transient nature of life. The juxtaposition of beauty and the passage of time serves to deepen the reader's appreciation for the complexities of love and the memories it creates.
By Georgia Douglas Johnson · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 58 words
First lines
The fairest lips are those we kiss, With greatest ecstasy and bliss; The brightest eyes, are those that shine, Unchangingly through changing time; The greatest love is that we know, When life is just an afterglow.
What this Textopian page supports
Supreme 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, Romanticism, Lyric, Literary Fiction, African American Literature
- Length: 58 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Supreme 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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- How does this poem by Georgia Douglas Johnson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
- Benediction by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Fusion by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Tears And Kisses by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Modulations by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Offering by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Proving by Georgia Douglas Johnson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, utilizing poetic devices and structure.
- Romanticism — The themes of love, beauty, and emotional depth align with Romantic ideals.
- Lyric — The expression of personal feelings and emotions is central to the text.
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes and human experiences, characteristic of literary fiction.
Tags
Poetry · African American Literature · Early 20th Century · Symbolism · Imagery · Nature · Spirituality · Femininity · Motherhood · Identity · Racism · Societal Commentary