Laurel in the Berkshires, a remarkable poem by Adelaide Crapsey, captures the delicate beauty and transient nature of the laurel blossoms in the Berkshires. Known for her mastery of the cinquain, a five-line poetic form she invented, Crapsey skillfully uses precise language and vivid imagery to evoke the serene yet fleeting charm of nature. The poem reflects her deep connection to the natural world, often exploring themes of life, death, and the passage of time.
Crapsey’s language is both precise and evocative, with each word carefully chosen to convey the gentle movement of the laurel leaves and the quiet, introspective mood of the Berkshires’ landscape. The poem likely draws on Crapsey’s personal experiences, as she spent much of her life battling illness, giving her a unique sensitivity to the ephemerality of beauty.
The piece stands as a testament to Crapsey’s innovative approach to poetry, blending elements of traditional forms with a distinctly modern sensibility. It remains a striking example of how even the smallest, most delicate aspects of nature can evoke profound emotional responses, resonating deeply with readers over a century later.
Laurel in the Berkshires by Adelaide Crapsey
Sea-foam
And coral! Oh, I’ll
Climb the great pasture rocks
And dream me mermaid in the sun’s
Gold flood.
