George Marion McClellan’s speaker talks to hollyhocks as if they are living companions. Their bright, flaming bells and swaying plumes cast a spell on him, pulling him away from the present and back into childhood—wide blue skies and the first wild stirrings of love. The flowers’ brilliant colors bring real joy, like a gentle summer rain, but the memory they awaken is not entirely happy. Alongside the beauty, there is a faint shadow of sadness, something close to sighs and pain. The mood is warm, nostalgic, and wistful: loveliness revives deep feeling, but it also stirs an ache that still lingers.
To Hollyhocks — Summary
Gay hollyhocks with flaming bells And waving plumes, as gently swells The breeze upon the Summer air; You bind me still with magic spells When to the wind, in grave farewells, You bow in all your graces fair.
You bring me back the childhood view, Where arching skies and deepest blue Stretch on in endless lengths above; To see you so awakes anew Long past emotions, from which grew My wild and first heart-throbs of love.
There is in all your brilliant dyes. Your gorgeousness and azure skies, A joy like soothing summer rain; Yet in the scene there vaguely lies A something half akin to sighs. Along the borderland of pain.