# Gossamer explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Georgia Douglas Johnson.

## What happens

The chapter reflects on the fleeting nature of innocence and purity, comparing them to delicate cobwebs and morning dew that vanish with the rising sun.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Passing of Time and Mortality

The chapter emphasizes the ephemeral quality of innocence and purity, fading with the dawn.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The narrator observes the transient beauty of innocence and purity.

## Key lines

> The peerless boon of innocence, The first in nature’s list, Is fading, ere the rising sun The world awake has kist.

Innocence, nature's greatest gift, disappears before the sun fully rises and kisses the world awake.

_Highlights the transient nature of innocence._

> Frail cobwebs⁠—of the dawn.

Delicate like morning cobwebs.

_Metaphor for the fragility of purity._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_9_se/chapters/gossamer
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_9_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_9_se/chapters