Jenifer
Nora Hopper Chesson
1871 to 1906
Fate met me as a cottage-girl,
Her hair hung in one long black curl,
On shoulders dimpled, bare, and kissed
By morning suns: the evening mist
Gloomed in her eyes to amethyst.
Her lips were red as strawberries,
Bare feet and brown sowed jealousies
Among the grasses that would fain
Unto a kiss of them attain —
And having kissed would kiss again.
Eyes dark as death and soft as sleep
Over her lips close watch did keep,
Forbidding and alluring both;
Till I that met them was not loth
In them to drown myself and troth.
From the dark cottage came the girl
As from the rough shell slips the pearl,
And passed me light as wind goes by,
That has not strength enough to dry
The dew that shines on roses nigh.
She passed me, making no delay,
Into the quiet churchyard-hay.
Her body fair in russet clad,
Her hair the only black she had;
Jenifer trysting with her lad.
Nora Hopper Chesson's Jenifer
We are busy working to bring Nora Hopper Chesson's "Jenifer" to life through our unique musical arrangements and will have a full analysis of the poem here for you soon.
At V2Melody, each arrangement is crafted with care through a thoughtful partnership of human artistry and technological innovation. This process involves:
- Deep analysis of the poem's rhythm, structure, and emotional essence
- Careful selection of musical styles that enhance the poem's unique voice
- Balancing traditional poetic expression with contemporary sound landscapes
- Multiple revisions to ensure the arrangement honors the poet's original vision
This creative journey takes time—each composition represents hours of dedicated work to create something that deepens our connection to Nora Hopper Chesson's words in meaningful ways.
While you wait for our complete interpretation, we invite you to explore other musical arrangements in our gallery or learn more about Nora Hopper Chesson's life and contributions to literature.
Check back soon to experience how "Jenifer" transforms when verse meets melody—a unique journey that makes poetry accessible, engaging, and profoundly moving in new ways.