A Song in Season by Madison Cawein
The work explores the cyclical nature of seasons, emphasizing the contrasts and transitions between winter, spring, summer, and autumn. Each section reflects on the sensory experiences and emotional responses associated with these seasons, using vivid imagery and repetitive structures to evoke a sense of rhythm and continuity. In the first section, winter is depicted through the cold, quiet atmosphere, where the wind and the hound's whine create a sense of stillness. The speaker finds solace in the warmth of the fire, contemplating the arrival of spring, which symbolizes hope and renewal. The second section shifts to the night, where the sounds of the owlet and the winds create a haunting yet comforting ambiance. The imagery of snow and the red stains from boots suggests a sense of domesticity and warmth, contrasting with the cold outside. The speaker reflects on the end of the day, dreaming of summer, which represents vitality and abundance. The final section transitions to dawn, where the sounds of the black cock and the milch-cow signal the start of a new day. The imagery of the milkmaid and the rosy cheeks conveys the freshness and vibrancy of life. The focus here is on action and productivity, celebrating the joy of work and the fulfillment it brings. Overall, the work encapsulates the essence of each season, highlighting the interplay between nature and human emotion, and the cyclical rhythm of life.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1904 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Romanticism · 321 words
First lines
I. When in the wind the vane turns round, And round, and round; And in his kennel whines the hound; When all the gable eaves are bound With icicles of ragged gray, A glinting gray; There is little to do, and much to say, And you hug your fire and pass the day With a thought of the springtime, dearie.
II. When late at night the owlet hoots, And hoots, and hoots; And wild winds make of keyholes flutes; When to the door the goodman's boots Stamp through the snow the light stains red, The fire-light's red; There is nothing to do, and all is said, And you quaff your cider and go to bed With a dream of the summer, dearie.
What this Textopian page supports
A Song in Season 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: Poetry, Nature Writing, Romanticism, Lyrical, Seasonal Literature
- Length: 321 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, utilizing rhythm and imagery typical of poetry.
- Nature Writing — The themes revolve around the changing seasons and natural imagery, reflecting a deep connection to the environment.
- Romanticism — The emotional expression and appreciation of nature align with Romantic literary themes.
- Lyrical — The personal and emotional tone of the verses suggests a lyrical quality, focusing on feelings and experiences.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Seasonal · Symbolism · Imagery · Figurative Language · Metaphor · Simile · Personification · Alliteration · Assonance · Consonance