Abandoned by Madison Cawein (1902)
The poem explores themes of abandonment and decay through vivid imagery of nature reclaiming a once-vibrant space. The setting is a deserted house, described with haunting beauty, where elements of the natural world interact with remnants of human presence. Hornets build nests, lizards bask, and swallows fly, indicating life persists despite the absence of people. The atmosphere is thick with nostalgia, as old scents linger and the wind whispers through the empty rooms, evoking a sense of loss. The juxtaposition of the lively natural world against the stillness of the abandoned structure highlights the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The heron and kingfisher symbolize fleeting moments of life, contrasting with the enduring silence of the house. The imagery suggests that while the physical space may be deserted, it remains a canvas for memories and the echoes of the past. Overall, the work captures the melancholic beauty of abandonment, illustrating how nature intertwines with human history, creating a poignant reflection on solitude and the remnants of what once was.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Nature, Romanticism · 171 words
First lines
The hornets build in plaster-dropping rooms, And on its mossy porch the lizard lies; Around its chimneys slow the swallow flies, And on its roof the locusts snow their blooms. Like some sad thought that broods here, old perfumes Haunt its dim stairs; the cautious zephyr tries Each gusty door, like some dead hand, then sighs With ghostly lips among the attic glooms. And now a heron, now a kingfisher, Flits in the willows where the riffle seems At each faint fall to hesitate to leap, Fluttering the silence with a little stir. Here Summer seems a placid face asleep, And the near world a figment of her dreams.
What this Textopian page supports
Abandoned 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, Nature, Romanticism, Symbolism, Lyrical
- Length: 171 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Similar titles
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- Low Tide by Edna St Vincent Millay
- To Sorrow by Madison Cawein
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- Last Days by Madison Cawein
- Good Bye And Keep Cold by Robert Frost
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, utilizing imagery and metaphor typical of poetic expression.
- Nature — The poem vividly describes natural elements and settings, focusing on the beauty and tranquility of the environment.
- Romanticism — The themes of nostalgia, beauty, and emotional depth align with Romantic literary ideals.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols, such as the heron and kingfisher, conveys deeper meanings and emotions.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Loss · Grief · Isolation · Solitude · Longing · Melancholy · Despair · Hopelessness · Abandonment · Loneliness