Critique of poem “The Dawn”

 Critique Image“The Dawn” is a poem written by Giftus John who was born in St. Joseph and is currently an author of five books, including a collection of poems, “The Island Man Sings His Song”, from which the following piece was extracted.

This literary piece sets a calm mood and delivers an image of a new day’s awakening as it provides hope of a successful day ahead. John also gives us a peaceful mood following the tone of this poem. It is beautiful because he took something so simple – something we take for granted all the time – and put it in a majestic light. All are believed to be familiar with dawn, or daybreak, and so the idea of the poem seems as if to open the artistic eyes of individuals and give a view of how fascinating the arrival of a new day really is.

The piece is applauded for its profound structure. Repetition of the phrase “slowly it climbs” helps to capture the audiences attention while drawing them towards a description of this majestic setting. Because the poem is written in Free Verse Style (without rhymes) John could give his own shape to the poem how he desired. However, most readers/listeners would prefer a rhyme scheme which can contribute to the rhythm of the poem.

Overall, this piece is greatly commended.

The Dawn by Giftus John

Slowly it climbs
See how it illuminates the sails
Out on the distant water.

Slowly it climbs
Over the still dark mountains,
Majestic and bright.

The sun rises
Shining with all its glory.
Slowly it climbs
Like a baby waking from a peaceful sleep.

Slowly the dawn conquers
Dispelling the darkness, giving hope.
Slowly it takes control of everything before it,
Everything in its path.
The Dawn rises.


We will delete comments that:

  • are abusive, profane or offensive
  • promote hatred of any kind
  • are excessively long and off-message

See our full comment/user policy/agreement.


  1. April 5, 2016

    Poetry is a favorite form of literature for many readers.

    It should be read slowly like one would hold a chocolate in his mouth and let it dissolve. This is that kind of poem. It should be read slowly enough to let the meaning be absorbed.

    There is something individualistic about such a poem. It may not speak the same message to each reader. It depends upon what is happening in your life. But to each reader the poem speaks its message.

    To me it says:

    no matter how good your days are there will be nights, times of darkness and sorrow.

    You wait for them to pass, looking, and longing for tomorrow.

    The sun rises. It breaks through gradually. The day will come again for all who have the patience to wait.

    In the night always remember there will be a new day.
    The light will return bringing illumination, hope, and comfort.

    Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.

  2. smdh
    April 5, 2016

    brilliant poem. Not like the mother goose ones ive seen here before.

  3. Sylvester Cadette
    April 5, 2016

    Great Lovely Poem by Giftus John. I first got acquainted to this poem in an English class while as a first former at St. Mary’s Academy. What’s more, the English teacher was the author, Giftus John.

  4. Sylvester Cadette
    April 5, 2016

    Lovely Poem by Giftus John. I first encountered this poem in 1979 as a first former at St. Mary’s academy. What’s more, the author, Giftus John, was my English teacher.

Post a Comment



 characters available