Ashly Mere by Madison Cawein (1902)

Name: Ashly Mere
Author: Madison Cawein

The poem explores themes of mystery, loss, and the haunting nature of memory through the imagery of a secluded body of water. The speaker invites the reader to observe and listen to the eerie atmosphere surrounding the mere, suggesting a connection between the natural world and human emotions. The water serves as a mirror reflecting both physical and emotional depths, hinting at hidden truths and unresolved pasts. As the speaker describes the stillness of the water, they pose questions about what lies beneath the surface, creating a sense of foreboding. The imagery of a woman's face and voice introduces a spectral presence, suggesting a tragic story tied to the mere. The annual return to this location signifies a ritualistic remembrance of a wrong that has occurred, emphasizing the cyclical nature of grief and the persistence of memory. The poem culminates in the acknowledgment of a historical injustice, where the dynamics of power between genders are highlighted. The speaker reflects on the inevitability of the past and the sorrow that lingers in the present, suggesting that the mere is both a physical location and a symbol of unresolved emotional turmoil. The haunting voice and the ghastly hand evoke a sense of tragedy, reinforcing the idea that the past cannot be easily escaped or forgotten. Ultimately, the work encapsulates the interplay between nature and human experience, illustrating how landscapes can embody personal and collective histories. The mere becomes a site of reflection, mourning, and the acknowledgment of the complexities of human relationships, particularly the fraught dynamics between men and women. The poem leaves the reader with a lingering sense of unease, inviting contemplation on the nature of memory, loss, and the stories that shape our lives.

By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Gothic, Romanticism · 362 words

First lines

Come! look in the shadowy water here, The stagnant water of Ashly Mere: Where the stirless depths are dark but clear, What is the thing that lies there? -- A lily-pod half sunk from sight? Or spawn of the toad all water-white? Or ashen blur of the moon's wan light? Or a woman's face and eyes there?

Now lean to the water a listening ear, The haunted water of Ashly Mere: What is the sound that you seem to hear In the ghostly hush of the deeps there? -- A withered reed that the ripple lips? Or a night-bird's wing that the surface whips? Or the rain in a leaf that drips and drips? Or a woman's voice that weeps there?

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Ashly Mere is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1902 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Madison Cawein
Date: 1902 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Gothic, Romanticism, Dark Fantasy, Narrative
Length: 362 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythmic and lyrical language typical of poetry.
Gothic — The themes of haunting, despair, and the supernatural elements present a Gothic atmosphere.
Romanticism — The exploration of nature, emotion, and the human experience aligns with Romantic ideals.
Dark Fantasy — The presence of eerie and unsettling imagery suggests elements of dark fantasy.