The Old Woman
Joseph Campbell
Joseph Campbell (July 15, 1879 – June 1944) was an Irish poet and lyricist. He wrote under the Gaelicised version of his name Seosamh Mac Cathmhaoil (also Seosamh Mac Cathmhaoil). He is now remembered best for words he supplied to traditional airs, such as My Lagan Love and Garten Mother's Lullaby; his verse was also set to music by Arnold Bax and Ivor Gurney.
As a white candle
In a holy place,
So is the beauty
Of an aged face.
As the spent radiance
Of the winter sun,
So is a woman
With her travail done.
Her brood gone from her,
And her thoughts as still
As the waters
Under a ruined mill. analysis this poem
The poem "The Old Woman" by Joseph Campbell describes the beauty and radiance of an elderly woman who has completed her life's work and is at peace with herself.
The comparison of the woman's beauty to a white candle in a holy place suggests that her presence is pure and sacred, like that of a spiritual symbol in a sacred space. This comparison also suggests that the woman's beauty has a lasting impact and is not diminished by age.
The comparison of the woman's radiance to the spent glow of the winter sun implies that although the woman's life has been long and fulfilling, she is now nearing the end of her journey. The phrase "with her travail done" suggests that the woman has completed her life's work and is now ready to pass on her wisdom to the next generation.
The description of the woman's thoughts as "still as the waters under a ruined mill" suggests a sense of tranquility and calmness that comes with age and wisdom. The image of the ruined mill also implies a sense of decay and loss, perhaps hinting at the inevitability of death and the passage of time.
Overall, the poem celebrates the beauty and wisdom of an elderly woman who has lived a fulfilling life and is at peace with herself. The poem suggests that although the physical beauty of youth may fade, the inner radiance and wisdom of age are timeless and revered.
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