A Cameo by Madison Cawein (1907)
The poem presents a speaker who reflects on the beauty of a beloved, comparing her features to precious gems and materials. The speaker dismisses the value of renowned jewels, such as rubies, pearls, and sapphires, asserting that the beauty of his beloved surpasses them all. Each stanza highlights a specific aspect of her beauty: her lips, teeth, and eyes, which he describes in vivid, rich imagery. The speaker emphasizes that no matter where one looks in the world, they will not find anything as exquisite as the unique beauty of his beloved, whom he views as a divine creation. The poem conveys themes of love, admiration, and the idea that true beauty is unparalleled and transcends material wealth. The use of gemological metaphors serves to elevate the beloved's physical attributes, reinforcing the speaker's deep emotional connection and reverence for her. Ultimately, the work celebrates the singularity of love and the incomparable nature of personal beauty.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1907 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 136 words
First lines
Why speak of Giamschid rubies Whence rosy starlight drips? I know a richer crimson, -- The ruby of her lips.
Why speak of pearls of Oman That shells of ocean sheathe? I know a purer nacre, -- The white pearls of her teeth.
Why tell me of the sapphires That Kings and Khalifs prize? I know a lovelier azure, -- The sapphires of her eyes.
Go search the far Earth over, Go search the farthest sea, You will not find a cameo Like her God carved for me.
What this Textopian page supports
A Cameo 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: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric, Imagism, Symbolism
- Length: 136 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as imagery and metaphor.
- Romanticism — The themes focus on beauty, love, and idealization, characteristic of Romantic literature.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, typical of lyric poetry.
- Imagism — The vivid imagery and focus on sensory details align with Imagist principles.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Symbolism · Nature Imagery · Imaginative Realism · Romanticism · Mood Setting · Atmosphere Creation · Emotional Resonance · Inner Turmoil · Existential Crisis · Self-Discovery