Mid-May by Olive Tilford Dargan
The work explores themes of nature, civilization, and the tension between the two. The speaker reflects on their internal struggle, caught between the demands of modern life and a yearning for the primal, untamed aspects of existence represented by Pan, the god of nature. The imagery evokes a sense of longing for the simplicity and beauty of the natural world, contrasting it with the constraints of civilization. The speaker's desk symbolizes the burdens of societal expectations and responsibilities, while the meadow pool and willows represent the allure of nature. The repeated invocation of Pan signifies a call to reconnect with one's roots and the wildness within. The poem suggests that despite the veneer of civilization, there is an inherent desire for freedom and authenticity that cannot be ignored. As the speaker grapples with this dichotomy, they express a deep sense of loss for those who have sacrificed their connection to the earth. The work critiques the greed and disconnection that come with modernity, highlighting the emotional and spiritual toll it takes on individuals. Ultimately, the piece serves as a meditation on the necessity of embracing one's natural instincts and the beauty of the world outside the confines of societal norms.
By Olive Tilford Dargan · First published 1933 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Symbolism · 214 words
First lines
Hand clamped to desk, And eyes on task undone, I see a meadow pool, With shaken willows silvering. O, gods that trouble me, Wherefore, wherefore? -- Pan is at the door.
An arabesque Of sifted sun And forest star-grass, cool With shadows tunnelling: Witch-work that tauntingly Webs my bare floor: Ah, Pan is at the door.
I'm civilized, And in my veins The mountain brook is still As water in a jar; But oh, the heart hill-born, It paineth sore, For Pan is at the door.
Ye sacrificed Of earth, what rains Have wept their will And drowned your rebel star, That ye should sit forlorn, Telling Greed's score, When Pan is at the door?
What this Textopian page supports
Mid-May is listed on Textopian as a poem by Olive Tilford Dargan, dated 1933 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Olive Tilford Dargan
- Date: 1933 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature Writing, Symbolism, Romanticism, Philosophical
- Length: 214 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
- A Dirge by Olive Tilford Dargan
- For M L P by Olive Tilford Dargan
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- The Price by Helen Hay Whitney
- Peace On Earth by William Carlos Williams
- The Sparrows Fall by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on imagery and emotional expression.
- Nature Writing — The themes revolve around nature, with vivid descriptions of landscapes and natural elements.
- Symbolism — The text uses symbols, such as 'Pan', to convey deeper meanings related to civilization and primal instincts.
- Romanticism — The work reflects Romantic ideals, emphasizing emotion, nature, and the individual's experience.
Tags
American Literature · Feminist Themes · Regionalism · Rural Life · Social Commentary · Marriage · Family Dynamics · Female Empowerment · Domesticity · Isolation · Nature Imagery · Symbolism