Beauty that is Never Old
The poem explores themes of love, solace, and the enduring nature of beauty found in a beloved. The speaker expresses a deep yearning for emotional refuge amidst life's challenges and hardships. The imagery of storms and oppressive cares symbolizes the struggles faced in life, while the arms and breast of the beloved represent safety and comfort. As the speaker navigates through dark and difficult times, the beloved's presence becomes a source of light and hope. The calm and steadfast light in the beloved's eyes serves as a guiding force, illuminating the path through despair. The poem emphasizes the idea that true beauty transcends physical appearance and remains constant, rooted in the emotional connection shared between the speaker and the beloved. The world outside is depicted as vast and overwhelming, yet it is contained within the intimate embrace of love. The beloved's eyes are portrayed as a microcosm of beauty, where both light and shadow coexist, reflecting the complexities of life and love. Ultimately, the poem conveys that the essence of beauty lies not in fleeting moments or superficial attributes, but in the profound and unwavering bond between two individuals. This connection provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment, making the beloved's beauty eternal and unchanging.
By James Weldon Johnson · First published 1927 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 137 words
First lines
When buffeted and beaten by life's storms, When by the bitter cares of life oppressed, I want no surer haven than your arms, I want no sweeter heaven than your breast.
When over my life's way there falls the blight Of sunless days, and nights of starless skies;
Enough for me, the calm and steadfast light That softly shines within your loving eyes.
The world, for me, and all the world can hold Is circled by your arms; for me there lies, Within the lights and shadows of your eyes, The only beauty that is never old.
What this Textopian page supports
Beauty that is Never Old is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Weldon Johnson, dated 1927 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James Weldon Johnson
- Date: 1927 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric, Spiritual, African American Literature
- Length: 137 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices such as imagery and metaphor.
- Romanticism — The themes focus on love, beauty, and emotional depth, characteristic of Romantic literature.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal feelings and emotions, typical of lyric poetry.
- Spiritual — The text conveys a sense of solace and transcendence through love, reflecting spiritual themes.
Tags
Poetry Collection · African American Literature · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Simile · Alliteration · Assonance · Consonance · Free Verse · Stream-of-Consciousness · Nature Imagery