A Lullaby by Madison Cawein (1902)
The poem presents a serene and enchanting journey into the realms of sleep and dreams, personified through the figures of twilight and midnight. The initial stanzas introduce twilight as a gentle figure, guiding the listener to a magical place called Rockaby Town, where dreams are abundant and easily attainable. The imagery evokes a sense of comfort and safety, with references to a cradle and a wagon that transports the child to this dreamland. As the poem progresses, midnight is depicted as a mystical entity, cloaked in purple, who tends to the moon in a celestial chamber. This section emphasizes the transition from twilight to midnight, reinforcing the theme of a nurturing night that cradles the child in a world of dreams. The mention of Lullaby Land introduces a whimsical aspect, where sweet treats and delightful visions await. The relationship between twilight and midnight is highlighted, portraying them as devoted companions traversing the heavens together. This connection symbolizes the continuity of night and the seamless flow into deeper realms of rest and imagination. The final stanzas encourage the child to rest, assuring them of warmth and love, while reinforcing the idea that the journey to Lullaby Isle is both comforting and magical. Overall, the work encapsulates the essence of childhood innocence, the allure of dreams, and the protective embrace of night, creating a soothing atmosphere that invites the reader to experience the tranquility of sleep.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature, Fantasy · 540 words
First lines
I. In her wimple of wind and her slippers of sleep The twilight comes like a little goose-girl, Herding her owls with many "tu-whoos," Her little brown owls in the woodland deep, Where dimly she walks in her whispering shoes, And gown of glimmering pearl.
Sleep, sleep, little one, sleep; This is the road to Rockaby Town. Rockaby, lullaby, where dreams are cheap; Here you can buy any dream for a crown. Sleep, sleep, little one, sleep; The cradle you lie in is soft and is deep, The wagon that takes you to Rockaby Town. Now you go up, sweet, now you go down, Rockaby, lullaby, now you go down.
What this Textopian page supports
A Lullaby is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1902 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: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Children's Literature, Fantasy, Lyrical, Romanticism
- Length: 540 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for A Lullaby by Madison Cawein
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- A Song After Sundown by Henry Van Dyke
- In Late Fall by Madison Cawein
- Sleep Song by Joyce Kilmer
- Snow by Edward Thomas
- My Night by James Whitcomb Riley
- Song Of Parting by James Whitcomb Riley
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Children's Literature — The themes of lullabies, dreams, and gentle imagery cater to a child audience.
- Fantasy — The presence of whimsical elements like twilight, midnight, and magical lands suggests a fantasy genre.
- Lyrical — The emotional and musical quality of the language aligns with lyrical writing.
Tags
Poetry · Lyrical · Nature · Imagery · Symbolism · Dreamlike · Whimsy · Romantic · Melancholy · Nostalgia · Longing · Solitude