Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Long Ago: 54" is a poem by Michael Field, which is the pseudonym of Katherine Bradley and Edith Cooper. The poem was published in their collection "Long Ago" in 1904.

The central theme of "Long Ago: 54" is the power of poetry to capture the beauty and meaning of life. The speaker of the poem describes a scene of natural beauty, with the sweet scent of Hesper, the evening star, filling the air. The speaker then reflects on the power of poetry to capture this beauty and to convey its meaning to others. The poem also explores the theme of memory and the power of the past to shape the present. The speaker remembers a poet who taught her the meaning of Hesper's glow, and this memory continues to shape her understanding of the world.

The poem consists of four stanzas, each containing eight lines. The poem follows a consistent ABABCDCD rhyme scheme, providing a sense of rhythm and musicality. The lines are written in iambic meter, with alternating stressed and unstressed syllables. The structure and rhyme scheme of the poem contribute to its lyrical and melodic quality, evoking a sense of enchantment and beauty.

"Long Ago: 54" is a romantic and evocative poem that captures the essence of springtime and the charm of young maidens. It celebrates the delicate and innocent beauty of the maidens as they interact with nature and evoke feelings of love and desire in the poet. The poem highlights the speaker's admiration for the maidens' purity and their ability to inspire him to sing of love and marriage.

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