Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE CHRYSANTHEMUMS, by AUGUSTE ANGELLIER Poet's Biography First Line: Chrysanthemums alone the garden wears Last Line: -- as also our sad hearts! Subject(s): Chrysanthemums; Flowers | ||||||||
CHRYSANTHEMUMS alone the garden wears. Dead are the roses; dim the aureate flares Upon the sunflower's head, Which bends to earth its golden diadem, Inclining o'er the grass its withered stem, Where other flowers lie dead. There lie geraniums, languid dahlias, Pale meadow-saffron and veronicas, Phlox, sceptred golden rods, Their summer pomp strewn 'neath the rout of leaves, A prey to wood-lice and the ghoulish thieves Whose teeth despoil the gods. Chrysanthemums alone the garden wears; But in these pallid flowers the autumn bares Her most alluring graces. The twilight's dankness is their only dew And e'en a lukewarm ray that winnows through Will dry their tearful faces. Their waxen pallor melts from watered mauves Into carnation such as old alcoves With faded curtains give. Their subtlest hues are tinct with amethyst And o'er their aureate crystal is the mist Of glory fugitive. Chrysanthemums alone the garden wears. Ah, what exquisite sorrows, what despairs Their wilting petals fold! What tender charm their virgin white reveals! What noble pride of weariness appeals In their extinguished gold! They take their leave, yet they have never known Love's frenzy nor the deep-sighed undertone Of summer's minions, where A host of sails vibrated on June's tide -- These stricken flowers, so calm and dignified, Lone, in the wingless air. Chrysanthemums alone the garden wears. Come, gather them, since each thy love ensnares With lily's loveliness And pangs lorn amaryllis oft accords Or the sombre hearts engirdled round with swords Of thy loved irises. Yea, let us gently bind in trembling sheaves Their ruffled blooms, their ecstasies and griefs, And place, in their despite, These brave survivors in this vase of green, Whereon rich China's art has made careen These herons, e'er in flight! Chrysanthemums alone the garden wears! Poems we shall become of subtle cares And delicate remorse, Abiding in these flowers our love reclaims, Whose deep affection looses them in flames To which no heat gives source. When twilight falls and permeates this room We shall behold their beauty through the gloom And, ere the day departs, These dying flowers shall token our despairs. Chrysanthemums alone the garden wears -- As also our sad hearts! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THEY SAW THE PROBLEM by MARK JARMAN SHAKE THE SUPERFLUX! by DAVID LEHMAN THE M??TIER OF BLOSSOMING by DENISE LEVERTOV TANKA DIARY (6) by HARRYETTE MULLEN VARIATIONS: 17 by CONRAD AIKEN FORCED BLOOM by STEPHEN ELLIOTT DUNN |
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