Changing Times

"I see a wild civility;"
("Delight in Disorder" - Herrick)

This poem is short, and to the point; however, it is full of oxymoron's and contradictory statements.  First of all, the poem is titled "Delight in Disorder."  For me, disorder is not a good thing.  I like to know where things are and what is going to happen next.  All the jewels and riches the woman wears are "distractions" to the speaker.  Usually, pretty clothing and jewelry is worn to attract the attention of men.  The speaker is not enthralled with all the riches; instead, he focuses on the one thing that is out of order with her outfit - her shoelace.  If I put all that effort into an outfit, I would be pretty mad to find out that the man I was trying to impress only liked my shoelace.  I think this poem serves as a wake up call for women.  Not all men want woman to dress extravagantly.  In order to describe this shoestring, the author uses the oxymoron "wild civility."  The out-of-place shoestring is something that is considered improper or uncivilized for the woman's society.  However, the woman is trying her best to be civil.  Really, a shoelace is not a big deal.  However, since the woman's ideals are different than mine, this may be a big deal in her society.  This poem really shows how ideals and times change.