A Gas-Log Reverie by Oliver Herford
The poem presents a whimsical exploration of imagination and fantasy, initiated by the speaker's contemplation of a gas log's flame. This flame serves as a portal to an unnamed land, a realm of pure invention where reality is distorted and nothing is as it appears. The speaker envisions a serene landscape, characterized by vibrant, artificial flora and a tranquil atmosphere, where the ordinary is transformed into the extraordinary. As the imagery shifts, the speaker's journey takes a darker turn, leading to a primeval grove filled with gas logs. This setting evokes a sense of fear and mystery, populated by mythical creatures and ancient trees, creating a stark contrast to the earlier idyllic scene. The gas trees, with their gnarled branches and moss, symbolize the eerie and the unknown. The poem continues to oscillate between these contrasting landscapes, blending elements of the surreal with the whimsical. The speaker finds solace in the painted palms and the soothing sounds of the environment, ultimately succumbing to a dreamlike state under an artificial moonlight. This juxtaposition of reality and fantasy highlights the power of imagination, suggesting that the mind can create worlds that defy the constraints of the physical realm. The work encapsulates a playful yet profound meditation on the nature of creativity and the allure of escapism.
By Oliver Herford · First published 1910 · Genre: Poetry, Fantasy, Surrealism · 311 words
First lines
As I sit, inanely staring In the Gas-log's lambent flame, Far away my fancy's faring To a land without a name, -- To the country of Invention, Where I roam in ecstasy, Where all things are mere pretension, Nothing what it seems to be.
Folded in a calm serenic, On a jute-bank I recline, Where, mid moss of hue arsenic, Millinery flowers entwine.
What this Textopian page supports
A Gas-Log Reverie is listed on Textopian as a poem by Oliver Herford, dated 1910 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Oliver Herford
- Date: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Fantasy, Surrealism, Romanticism, Satire
- Length: 311 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Fantasy — The poem explores imaginative landscapes and surreal elements, such as 'Gas-log grove primeval' and 'Goblins, Banshees'.
- Surrealism — The dreamlike quality and bizarre imagery reflect surrealist themes.
- Romanticism — The emphasis on emotion, nature, and individual imagination aligns with Romantic ideals.
Tags
Poetry · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Gas Log · Reverie · Literary Device · Symbolism · Irony · Sarcasm · Critique of Society · Commentary on Class