Assumption by Madison Cawein (1902)
The poem explores themes of love, beauty, and nature through vivid imagery and emotional resonance. It begins with a serene setting, characterized by moonlight and a whispering wood, evoking a sense of tranquility and longing. The presence of a single star symbolizes hope and desire, while the wild roses suggest the fragility and complexity of love. As the poem progresses, it delves into the idea that love does not require external guidance or symbols, such as stars or natural landmarks, to navigate its path. Instead, it emphasizes the intrinsic nature of love, which flourishes in the heart and is illuminated by personal experiences and connections. The final section reflects on the concept of beauty as a divine manifestation within love, suggesting that true beauty is found in the intimate moments shared between lovers. The imagery of a star, a rose, and the memory of a kiss encapsulates the essence of love's transcendence, highlighting its ability to elevate ordinary experiences into something eternal and profound. Overall, the work captures the interplay between nature and human emotion, illustrating how love can be both a guiding force and a source of deep reflection.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Poetry · 208 words
First lines
I. A mile of moonlight and the whispering wood: A mile of shadow and the odorous lane: One large, white star above the solitude, Like one sweet wish: and, laughter after pain, Wild-roses wistful in a web of rain.
II. No star, no rose, to lesson him and lead; No woodsman compass of the skies and rocks, -- Tattooed of stars and lichens, -- doth love need To guide him where, among the hollyhocks, A blur of moonlight, gleam his sweetheart's locks.
III. We name it beauty -- that permitted part, The love-elected apotheosis Of Nature, which the god within the heart, Just touching, makes immortal, but by this -- A star, a rose, the memory of a kiss.
What this Textopian page supports
Assumption 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: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Poetry, Symbolism, Imagism
- Length: 208 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Assumption by Madison Cawein
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Assumption?
- How does this poem by Madison Cawein fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Lyric Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Two Days by Madison Cawein
- Content by Madison Cawein
- Beyond by Madison Cawein
- Voices by Madison Cawein
- The Lonely Land by Madison Cawein
- Intimations by Madison Cawein
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work is characterized by its emotional expression and musical quality, typical of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of nature, beauty, and love align with the Romantic movement's focus on emotion and individual experience.
- Nature Poetry — The vivid imagery of nature and its connection to human emotion is central to the poem.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols like stars and roses to convey deeper meanings reflects Symbolist influences.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Symbolism · Nature · Philosophy · Existentialism · Mortality · Life · Death · Human Condition · Psychology · Emotions