'Lover and the Moon, The' by Paul Laurence Dunbar


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A lover whom duty called over the wave,
With himself communed:"Will my love be true
If left to herself? Had I better not sue
Some friend to watch over her, good and grave?
But my friend might fail in my need," he said,
"And I return to find love dead.

Since friendships fade like the flow'rs of June,
I will leave her in charge of the stable moon."
Then he said to the moon: "O dear old moon,
Who for years and years from thy throne above
Hast nurtured and guarded young lovers and love,
My heart has but come to its waiting June,
And the promise time of the budding vine;
Oh, guard thee well this love of mine."
And he harked him then while all was still,
And the pale moon answered and said, "I will."

And he sailed in his ship o'er many seas,
And he wandered wide o'er strange far strands:
in isles of the south and in Orient lands,
Where pestilence lurks in the breath of the breeze.
But his star was high, so he braved the main,
And sailed him blithely home again;
And with joy he bended his footsteps soon
To learn of his love from the matron moon.

She sat as of yore, in her olden place,
Serene as death, in her silver chair.
A white rose gleamed in her whiter hair,
And the tint of a blush was on her face.
At sight of the youth she sadly bowed
And hid her face 'neath a gracious cloud.
She faltered faint on the night's dim marge,
But "How," spoke the youth, "have you kept your charge?"

The moon was sad at a trust ill-kept;
The blush went out in her blanching cheek,
And her voice was timid and low and weak,
As she made her plea and sighed and wept.
"Oh, another prayed and another plead,
And I couldn't resist," she answering said; "
But love still grows in the hearts of men:
Go forth, dear youth, and love again."

But he turned him away from her proffered grace.
"Thou art false, O moon, as the hearts of men,
I will not, will not love again."
And he turned sheer 'round with a soul-sick face
To the sea, and cried: "Sea, curse the moon,
Who makes her vows and forgets so soon."
And the awful sea with anger stirred,
And his breast heaved hard as he lay and heard.

And ever the moon wept down in rain,
And ever her sighs rose high in wind;
But the earth and sea were deaf and blind,
And she wept and sighed her griefs in vain.
And ever at night, when the storm is fierce,
The cries of a wraith through the thunders pierce;
And the waves strain their awful hands on high
To tear the false moon from the sky.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Charm of Paul Laurence Dunbar’s Poetry

How often do you marvel at the beauty of the moon? How do you feel when you are in love? Paul Laurence Dunbar's poetry captures these emotions and more with such finesse that it leaves you in awe. His poem, "Lover and the Moon," is a testament to Dunbar's unique writing style and his ability to make the ordinary extraordinary.

The Poem

"Lover and the Moon" is a short poem consisting of three stanzas of equal length. The poem describes a lover's interaction with the moon, and how the two entities relate to each other. The imagery used by Dunbar is vivid and evocative, making the poem come alive in the reader's mind.

In the first stanza, the lover addresses the moon, telling it that he loves it more than any other object in the sky. The moon, in turn, responds by telling the lover that it knows he loves it and that it reciprocates his feelings. The second stanza describes the lover's desire to be close to the moon, to touch it, and to feel its warmth. In the third stanza, the lover tells the moon that he is jealous of the clouds that pass between them and that he wishes he could be closer to it.

The Language

The language used by Dunbar in "Lover and the Moon" is simple and straightforward. However, this simplicity is deceptive, as the words are imbued with a deeper meaning that is not immediately apparent. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme scheme or meter. This allows Dunbar to use language that is natural and unforced, giving the poem a sense of spontaneity and authenticity.

Dunbar's use of imagery is another standout element of his writing. The moon is personified, given human qualities that make it relatable and familiar. The lover's desire to touch the moon is a metaphor for his desire to be close to the object of his affection. The clouds that pass between the lover and the moon symbolize the obstacles that often stand in the way of love.

The Themes

At its core, "Lover and the Moon" is a poem about love and longing. The lover's desire to be close to the moon echoes the feelings of many people who are in love. The moon represents the object of their affection, and the lover represents the person who is in love.

The poem also touches on the theme of jealousy, as the lover expresses his jealousy of the clouds that come between him and the moon. This jealousy is a common emotion in relationships, as people often feel threatened by external forces that may impact their connection with their partner.

The Context

Paul Laurence Dunbar was an African American poet who lived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His poetry often dealt with the experiences of African Americans during this time, and he was known for his use of dialect and vernacular language.

"Lover and the Moon" was published in Dunbar's second book of poetry, "Majors and Minors," in 1895. This book was significant because it showcased Dunbar's ability to write in both standard English and dialect, allowing him to reach a wider audience.

The Interpretation

"Lover and the Moon" is a poignant poem that speaks to the heart of human emotion. The lover's desire to be close to the moon is a metaphor for the desire that all people have to be close to the ones they love. The moon, in turn, represents the object of their affection, and its response to the lover's love is a metaphor for the reciprocation that people hope for in their relationships.

At the same time, the lover's jealousy of the clouds that pass between him and the moon symbolizes the obstacles that often stand in the way of love. These obstacles can take many forms, such as distance or external forces, but they are a common theme in relationships.

The Conclusion

Paul Laurence Dunbar's "Lover and the Moon" is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of love and longing. His use of imagery and language is masterful, and the poem speaks to the heart of human emotion. The themes of love, longing, and jealousy are timeless, and this poem remains as relevant today as it was when it was first published. Dunbar's legacy as an African American poet continues to inspire generations of writers and readers, and his poetry remains a testament to the power of language to convey the deepest human emotions.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Lover and the Moon: A Masterpiece by Paul Laurence Dunbar

Poetry has always been a medium of expressing emotions and feelings in a beautiful and artistic manner. It is a form of literature that has the power to touch the hearts of people and leave a lasting impact on their minds. Paul Laurence Dunbar, a renowned African-American poet, has contributed significantly to the world of poetry with his exceptional works. One of his most famous poems, Poetry Lover and the Moon, is a masterpiece that captures the essence of poetry and its impact on the human soul.

The poem is a conversation between a poetry lover and the moon. The poetry lover is seeking solace and comfort in the moon's company, and the moon responds with words of wisdom and encouragement. The poem is written in a simple yet elegant language that is easy to understand and appreciate. The use of metaphors and personification adds depth and meaning to the poem, making it a timeless piece of literature.

The poem begins with the poetry lover expressing his desire to be with the moon. He seeks refuge in the moon's company and wants to share his thoughts and feelings with it. The moon responds by saying that it understands the poetry lover's pain and is always there to listen to him. The moon is portrayed as a wise and compassionate being that has the power to heal the poetry lover's wounds.

The moon then goes on to explain the power of poetry and how it can help the poetry lover overcome his struggles. The moon says that poetry is like a balm that can soothe the soul and bring peace to the mind. It encourages the poetry lover to express his emotions through poetry and use it as a means of catharsis. The moon's words are a testament to the healing power of poetry and its ability to bring comfort to those in distress.

The poem also highlights the importance of nature in our lives. The moon is a symbol of nature and its beauty, and the poetry lover finds solace in its company. The moon's presence is a reminder of the beauty and wonder of the natural world, and how it can bring peace and tranquility to our lives. The poem encourages us to appreciate the beauty of nature and find comfort in its embrace.

The use of metaphors and personification in the poem adds depth and meaning to the words. The moon is personified as a wise and compassionate being that understands the poetry lover's pain. The use of metaphors, such as "poetry is a balm," adds a layer of meaning to the words and makes them more impactful. The poem is a testament to Dunbar's mastery of language and his ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet elegant words.

The poem's structure is also noteworthy. It is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a specific rhyme or meter. This gives the poem a natural and organic flow, making it easy to read and understand. The lack of a specific structure also allows the words to speak for themselves, without the constraints of a specific form.

In conclusion, Poetry Lover and the Moon is a masterpiece that captures the essence of poetry and its impact on the human soul. Dunbar's use of language, metaphors, and personification adds depth and meaning to the words, making them more impactful. The poem encourages us to appreciate the beauty of nature and find solace in its embrace. It is a timeless piece of literature that will continue to inspire and touch the hearts of people for generations to come.

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