Some Verses: Sonnets: EVENING AT WASHINGTON

Name: Some Verses: Sonnets: EVENING AT WASHINGTON
Author: Helen Hay Whitney

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 · 166 words

First lines

The purple stretches of the evening sky Lean to the fair white city waiting here, Flecking with gold the marble's lifted tier, Down the blue marsh where crows to Southward fly.

Flanked by dim ramparts, where the tide dreams by, High from the city's heart, a lifted spear, In its straight splendour makes the heavens seem near, Symbol of man-made force that shall not die.

To the tall crest we gaze in self-command, Assured the world's our own and we may dare To raise our Babel thro' forbidden aisles And hold the skirt of knowledge in our hand, Great in our moment, spurn the world's despair; While Heaven looks down through calm unmeasured miles.

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Some Verses: Sonnets: EVENING AT WASHINGTON is listed on Textopian as a poem by Helen Hay Whitney, dated 1898 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Helen Hay Whitney
Date: 1898 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Sonnets, Romanticism, Nature Writing
Length: 166 words
Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The title of the book includes the word 'verses' which is a synonym for poetry.
Sonnets — The title of the book includes the word 'sonnets' which is a type of poetry.
Romanticism — The author, Helen Hay Whitney, was a romantic poet, so the book is likely to contain romantic themes.
Nature Writing — The title of the book includes the word 'evening' which suggests the book may contain descriptions of nature.