This poem was included in the original 1915 edition.
YOUR red blossoms amid green leaves Are drooping, beautiful geranium! But you do not ask for water. You cannot speak! You do not need to speak-- Everyone knows that you are dying of thirst, Yet they do not bring water! They pass on, saying: "The geranium wants water." And I, who had happiness to share And longed to share your happiness; I who loved you, Spoon River, And craved your love, Withered before your eyes, Spoon River-- Thirsting, thirsting, Voiceless from chasteness of soul to ask you for love, You who knew and saw me perish before you, Like this geranium which someone has planted over me, And left to die.
, 6 months ago
ozzys aunt
, about 1 month ago
There is no historical allusion in this poem, but there are literary devices. There is an extended metaphor. Mabel talks about a beautiful geranium that droops. This geranium is Spoon River craving water. This water is what makes the town a better place, but everyone except Mabel neglects this need. Spoon River won't accept her water, what she is willing to give.
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Loredana , 9 months ago
Here is a woman whose loveless life is symbolised by the red geranium planted on her tomb and left to die because nobody watered it.