A Road Song by Madison Cawein (1902)
The poem expresses a longing for freedom and escape from the burdens of life. The speaker yearns for the hills, symbolizing a place of solace and adventure, where the wind embodies a carefree spirit that encourages movement and exploration. The imagery of a "vagabond foot" suggests a desire for a nomadic lifestyle, free from constraints. The repeated call to "come on" emphasizes a sense of camaraderie and optimism, inviting a companion to join in the journey toward brighter horizons. The mention of "hollows" and "troubles" signifies the struggles and challenges faced in life, contrasting with the uplifting notion of reaching a more joyous and liberated state. As the poem progresses, the speaker continues to evoke the idea of songs filled with hope, personifying hope as a figure that inspires and uplifts. The "renegade foot" implies a rebellious spirit, one that defies convention and seeks joy in the face of adversity. The friendly laugh and jolly lilt further reinforce the theme of resilience and the importance of companionship in overcoming life's difficulties. Overall, the work encapsulates a yearning for adventure, the pursuit of happiness, and the belief that together, individuals can rise above their troubles and find a path toward fulfillment and joy. The tone is both reflective and hopeful, inviting readers to embrace the journey of life with an open heart and a willingness to explore new possibilities.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 181 words
First lines
It's -- Oh, for the hills, where the wind's some one With a vagabond foot that follows! And a cheer-up hand that he claps upon Your arm with the hearty words, "Come on! We'll soon be out of the hollows, My heart! We'll soon be out of the hollows."
It's -- Oh, for the songs, where the hope's some one With a renegade foot that doubles! And a jolly lilt that he flings to the sun As he turns with the friendly laugh, "Come on! We'll soon be out of the troubles, My heart! We'll soon be out of the troubles! "
What this Textopian page supports
A Road Song 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, Romanticism, Lyric, Nature Writing, Inspirational
- Length: 181 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythmic and lyrical language typical of poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of nature, emotion, and individualism reflect the characteristics of Romantic literature.
- Lyric — The personal and emotional expression in the text aligns with the lyric genre, focusing on feelings and thoughts.
- Nature Writing — The references to hills and the wind indicate a strong connection to nature, a common theme in nature writing.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Travel · Journey · Road · Song · Lyrics · Free Verse · Imagery · Symbolism · Metaphor · Personification