A Dirge by Madison Cawein (1900)
The work explores themes of death, loss, and the tranquility of eternal rest. It begins with the imagery of a deceased woman lying peacefully in a flower-filled vale, evoking a sense of serene beauty in her death. The speaker expresses a desire to lay her to rest among violets, emphasizing her innocence and the gentle nature of her passing. As the poem progresses, the focus shifts to the idea of her soul finding happiness and peace, symbolized by white flowers and the presence of a weeping willow. The imagery of her hands being compared to snowflakes and roses highlights her purity and fragility, reinforcing the notion that she is free from worldly troubles. The speaker continues to adorn her with a wreath of lilies, suggesting a connection between her beauty and the natural world. The act of laying her down gently signifies a tender farewell, while the mention of angels implies a comforting transition to the afterlife. The poem reflects on the brevity of life and the permanence of grief, acknowledging the sorrow of those left behind. In the final stanzas, the call to "speed away" suggests a need to accept her departure and allow her to rest undisturbed. The imagery of roses, both blooming and wilting, serves as a metaphor for the cycle of life and death, reinforcing the idea that she is now part of the earth, lying peacefully where shadows pass. The work encapsulates the bittersweet nature of mourning, blending beauty with sorrow in a poignant tribute to the deceased.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1900 · Genre: Elegy, Lyric Poetry, Romanticism · 411 words
First lines
I. Life has fled; she is dead, Sleeping in the flow'ry vale Where the fleeting shades are shed Ghost-like o'er her features pale. Lay her 'neath the violets wild, Lay her like a dreaming child 'Neath the waving grass Where the shadows pass.
II. Gone she has to happy rest With white flowers for her pillow; Moons look sadly on her breast Thro' an ever-weeping willow. Fold her hands, frail flakes of snow, Waxen as white roses blow Like herself so fair, Free from world and care.
What this Textopian page supports
A Dirge is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1900 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: 1900 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Elegy, Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Poetry, Symbolism
- Length: 411 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Dirge by Madison Cawein
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- A Woodland Grave by Madison Cawein
- Epitaph On Mrs Mason by Thomas Gray
Genres
- Elegy — The poem mourns the death of a loved one, reflecting on loss and remembrance.
- Lyric Poetry — The work expresses personal emotions and thoughts in a musical and expressive manner.
- Romanticism — The themes of nature, beauty, and emotional depth align with Romantic ideals.
- Nature Poetry — Nature imagery is prevalent, symbolizing life, death, and tranquility.
Tags
Poetry · Mourning · Loss · Grief · Death · Elegy · Funeral · Lamentation · Sorrow · Melancholy · Despair · Longing