The poem “Evening at Washington” by Helen Hay Whitney is a sonnet about the beauty of the nation’s capital at night. The poem begins with the speaker describing the city’s lights, which are “like a thousand stars” that “gleam and glimmer” in the night sky. The speaker then goes on to describe the monuments and buildings of the city, which are “like a dream of beauty” and “seem to whisper of the past.” The poem ends with the speaker expressing her admiration for the city and its beauty, which she believes will “last forever.” The poem is a celebration of the beauty of Washington, D.C. and its monuments and buildings. It is a reminder of the city’s history and its importance to the nation. The poem also serves as a reminder of the beauty of the night sky and the power of the stars to bring light and beauty to the world.
By Helen Hay Whitney · First published 1898 · Genre: Poetry, Sonnets, Romanticism