A Broken Rainbow on the Skies of May
The work explores themes of love, loss, and memory through vivid imagery and metaphor. It begins with the metaphor of a broken rainbow, symbolizing the remnants of a once-great love that now exists only in the sorrowful recollections of the speaker. The imagery of dripping roses and low clouds evokes a sense of melancholy, suggesting that the beauty of love has faded amidst the chaos of life. The second stanza introduces a hummingbird, representing the fleeting nature of love. The bird's vibrant presence among the flowers illustrates the joy and richness that love can bring, yet it also highlights the ephemeral quality of such experiences. The hummingbird's departure signifies the inevitable loss that follows intense emotional connections. In the third stanza, the moon is depicted as a moth, moving through mist and darkness. This imagery conveys the idea of love illuminating the soul, providing peace and clarity, only to vanish into obscurity. The moon's journey reflects the transient nature of happiness and the lingering impact of love that once was. The final stanza presents a bolt of thunder, symbolizing the powerful and sudden nature of love. This imagery captures the intensity of emotions that can transform one's perception of the world, revealing deeper truths about existence. However, the aftermath of this love is one of darkness and alarm, suggesting that such powerful experiences can leave one feeling lost and disoriented. Overall, the work intricately weaves together these metaphors to illustrate the complexities of love, emphasizing its beauty, transience, and the profound impact it leaves on the human soul.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Poetry · 426 words
First lines
A broken rainbow on the skies of May, Touching the dripping roses and low clouds, And in wet clouds its scattered glories lost: -- So in the sorrow of her soul the ghost Of one great love, of iridescent ray, Spanning the roses dim of memory, Against the tumult of life's rushing crowds -- A broken rainbow on the skies of May.
A flashing humming-bird among the flowers, Deep-coloured blooms; its slender tongue and bill Sucking the syrups and the calyxed myrrhs, Till, being full of sweets, away it whirrs: -- Such was his love that won her heart's rich bowers To give to him their all, their honied showers, The bloom from which he drank his body's fill -- A flashing humming-bird among the flowers.
What this Textopian page supports
A Broken Rainbow on the Skies of May is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1902 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Madison Cawein
- Date: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Poetry, Symbolism, Imagism
- Length: 426 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work employs vivid imagery and emotional expression typical of lyric poetry, focusing on personal feelings and reflections.
- Romanticism — The themes of love, nature, and emotional depth align with the characteristics of Romantic literature.
- Nature Poetry — The poem extensively uses natural imagery, such as flowers and the sky, to convey emotions and themes.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols like the rainbow and hummingbird represents deeper emotional states and experiences.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Imagery · Symbolism · Hope · Despair · Rainbow · Skies · May · Seasonal · Mood · Atmosphere