To Moina by Olive Tilford Dargan

Name: To Moina
Author: Olive Tilford Dargan

The work explores themes of love, devotion, and the transformative power of romantic relationships. It presents a vision of love as the ultimate source of meaning and beauty in life, suggesting that without love, existence lacks significance. The speaker emphasizes that love elevates individuals, making them heroic and noble, regardless of their social status. The poem begins by asserting that the essence of paradise is found in the eyes of lovers, implying that true happiness and fulfillment are derived from intimate connections. The imagery of Elysium and gods serves to highlight the idea that divine experiences are rooted in human affection. The speaker argues that all great deeds and stories stem from love, reinforcing the notion that love is the driving force behind human achievement and creativity. The call to "live, proud heart, in happy fealty" encourages the reader to embrace love wholeheartedly, suggesting that loyalty and commitment are vital components of a fulfilling relationship. The speaker dismisses the idea of being bound by social constraints, asserting that love grants individuals a kind of nobility that transcends material wealth or status. The poem concludes with the idea that even the most impoverished can find richness in love, as the choice of a beloved can transform one's life. The imagery of losing tatters and finding purple symbolizes the elevation from a lowly state to one of dignity and honor through love. Overall, the work celebrates love as the highest virtue, capable of bestowing meaning and purpose upon life.

By Olive Tilford Dargan · First published 1920 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 175 words

First lines

There were no heaven but for lovers' eyes; Save in their depths do all Elysiums fade; And gods were dead but for the life that lies In kisses sweet on sweeter altars laid. There were no heroes did not lovers ride, And pyramid high deeds upon new time; Nor tale for feast, or field, or chimney-side, And harps were dumb and song had ne'er a rhyme. Then live, proud heart, in happy fealty, Nor sigh thee more thy dear bonds to remove; Thou art not thrall to liege of mean degree, For all are kings who bear the lance of love; No wight so poor but may his tatters lose, And find his purple if his lady choose.

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To Moina is listed on Textopian as a poem by Olive Tilford Dargan, dated 1920 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Olive Tilford Dargan
Date: 1920 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric, Love Literature, Philosophical
Length: 175 words
Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on themes of love and devotion.
Romanticism — The themes of love, idealism, and the elevation of personal emotion align with Romantic literary traditions.
Lyric — The expression of personal feelings and emotions through a subjective lens characterizes the lyrical nature of the text.
Love Literature — The central theme revolves around love and its transformative power, making it a significant aspect of the narrative.