Court Lady Standing under a Plum Tree
The poem depicts a court lady standing beneath a plum tree, symbolizing the fleeting nature of beauty and life. The image serves as a metaphor for the transience of human existence, where even the most exquisite and delicate things can wither and perish. The plum tree's blossoms are likened to the lady's beauty, which is fragile and ephemeral.
By John Gould Fletcher · First published 1922 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Imagism · 44 words
First lines
Autumn winds roll through the dry leaves On her garments; Autumn birds shiver Athwart star-hung skies.
Under the blossoming plum-tree, She expresses the pilgrimage Of grey souls passing, Athwart love's scarlet maples To the ash-strewn summit of death.
What this Textopian page supports
Court Lady Standing under a Plum Tree is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Gould Fletcher, dated 1922 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Gould Fletcher
- Date: 1922 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Imagism, Symbolism, Nature Writing
- Length: 44 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Court Lady Standing under a Plum Tree by John Gould Fletcher
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Court Lady Standing under a Plum Tree?
- How does this poem by John Gould Fletcher fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Spring by William Carlos Williams
- A Blown Rose by Madison Cawein
- Intimations Of The Beautiful by Madison Cawein
- La Mer by Oscar Wilde
- What The Thrush Said by John Keats
- Lines by John Keats
Genres
- Poetry — The work employs structured verse, imagery, and emotional depth typical of poetic expression.
- Lyric — The focus on personal feelings and nature reflects the characteristics of lyric poetry.
- Imagism — The vivid imagery and concise language align with the principles of Imagism.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols, such as the plum tree and autumn, conveys deeper meanings and themes.
Tags
Japanese-Inspired · Poetry · Nature · Imagery · Symbolism · Plum Tree · Courtesan · Traditional Japanese Culture · Literary Symbolism · Feminine Identity · Beauty · Transience