A Blown Rose by Madison Cawein
The poem explores themes of beauty, transience, and the passage of time through the metaphor of a rose. The initial imagery presents a delicate, pale flower that appears fragile and lifeless underfoot, symbolizing the fleeting nature of beauty and life. The contrast between the rose's physical state and its past vibrancy suggests a deeper reflection on the inevitability of aging and decay. As the poem progresses, it draws a parallel between the rose and a bard whose life is filled with beauty and creativity. The bard's journey from youthful exuberance to the wisdom of old age mirrors the rose's lifecycle, emphasizing that while physical beauty may fade, the essence of one's experiences and thoughts can leave a lasting impact, akin to a rare perfume. The closing lines reinforce the idea that even in death, the mind and spirit endure, creating a legacy that transcends the physical form. The poem ultimately reflects on the duality of existence—where beauty is ephemeral, yet the thoughts and memories we cultivate can resonate long after we are gone.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1907 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Symbolism · 164 words
First lines
Lay but a finger on That pallid petal sweet, It trembles gray and wan Beneath the passing feet.
But soft! blown rose, we know A merriment of bloom, A life of sturdy glow, -- But no such dear perfume.
As some good bard, whose page Of life with beauty's fraught, Grays on to ripe old age Sweet-mellowed through with thought.
So when his hoary head Is wept into the tomb, The mind, which is not dead, Sheds round it rare perfume.
What this Textopian page supports
A Blown Rose is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1907 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Madison Cawein
- Date: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Symbolism, Elegy, Nature Poetry
- Length: 164 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- The Death Of Autumn by Edna St Vincent Millay
- Every Rose Hath Its Thorn by James Mcintyre
- The Passing Glory by Madison Cawein
- A Clock Stopped Not The Mantels by Emily Dickinson
- Lines by John Keats
- Song She Hath Livd The Life Of A Rose by David Park Barnitz
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of beauty, nature, and emotional depth align with Romantic ideals.
- Symbolism — The use of the rose as a symbol for beauty and transience reflects Symbolist traits.
- Elegy — The poem contemplates mortality and the passage of time, typical of elegiac themes.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Literary Device · Figurative Language · Romanticism · Emotional Expression · Inner Turmoil · Loss · Grief