A Lament by Madison Cawein (1904)
The poem explores themes of loss, nature, and the passage of time through a reflective and melancholic lens. It begins by depicting a serene, natural setting where the subject, a woman, is oblivious to the beauty surrounding her. The imagery of white moons and wild wood blossoms emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and the seasons, contrasting with the woman's state of unawareness. As the poem progresses, it paints a vivid picture of the evening atmosphere, filled with the sounds and scents of nature. The moths, clouds, and fragrant blooms create a rich sensory experience, yet the woman's detachment from this beauty is palpable. The mention of the wood-dove's plaintive moan adds a layer of sorrow, suggesting a deeper emotional resonance tied to her condition. The poem reflects on the woman's past, recalling her garden filled with lilacs and roses, symbolizing lost joy and vitality. The nostalgia for her previous connection to nature is evident, as she once reveled in the beauty of blooming flowers and the buzzing of bees. However, this connection has faded, leaving her indifferent to the seasonal changes that once brought her delight. Ultimately, the repetition of the opening lines reinforces the theme of her eternal slumber, suggesting a finality to her experience. The poem encapsulates the interplay between life, nature, and the inevitability of death, highlighting how beauty persists even in the face of loss. The woman's disconnection from the world around her serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring impact of memory.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1904 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Elegy · 416 words
First lines
I. White moons may come, white moons may go, She sleeps where wild wood blossoms blow, Nor knows she of the rosy June, Star-silver flowers o'er her strewn, The pearly paleness of the moon, -- Alas! how should she know!
II. The downy moth at evening comes To suck thin honey from wet blooms; Long, lazy clouds that swimming high Brood white about the western sky, Grow red as molten iron and lie Above the fragrant glooms.
What this Textopian page supports
A Lament is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1904 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: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Elegy, Romanticism, Symbolism
- Length: 416 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses deep personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Nature Poetry — The vivid imagery of nature and its elements is central to the poem's themes and aesthetic.
- Elegy — The poem conveys themes of loss and mourning, fitting the characteristics of an elegy.
- Romanticism — The focus on emotion, nature, and individual experience aligns with Romantic literary themes.
Tags
Poetry · Lyrical · Melancholic · Nature · Emotional · Introspective · Symbolic · Imagery-rich · Figurative language · Metaphorical · Personification · Allusion