At Midnight by Madison Cawein (1902)
The poem explores themes of love, loss, and the supernatural. It begins with a speaker wandering in a tranquil, moonlit wood at midnight, where he encounters the spirit of his deceased beloved. The setting is serene yet eerie, emphasizing the contrast between life and death. The speaker is initially overwhelmed by the sight of his sweetheart, who appears unchanged and vibrant, suggesting a dreamlike quality to the encounter. As they walk together, the speaker is struck by the ethereal nature of her presence; she seems to exist in a realm beyond the physical, as indicated by the lack of dew and the way the stars shine through her form. Despite these otherworldly elements, the speaker feels a deep emotional connection, as her touch and kiss evoke memories of their past love. The interaction culminates in a poignant moment where the beloved questions the speaker about his own mortality, blurring the lines between life and death. This exchange highlights the enduring nature of love, even in the face of loss, and raises existential questions about the nature of existence and the afterlife. The poem ultimately captures the bittersweet essence of longing and the hope of reunion beyond the grave.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Supernatural · 202 words
First lines
At midnight in the trysting wood I wandered by the waterside, When, soft as mist, before me stood My sweetheart who had died.
But so unchanged was she, meseemed That I had only dreamed her dead; Glad in her eyes the love-light gleamed; Her lips were warm and red.
What though the stars shone shadowy through Her form as by my side she went, And by her feet no drop of dew Was stirred, no blade was bent!
What though through her white loveliness The wildflower dimmed, the moonlight paled, Real to my touch she was; no less Than when the earth prevailed.
What this Textopian page supports
At Midnight 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, Supernatural, Lyric, Gothic
- Length: 202 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing meter and rhyme, characteristic of poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of love, loss, and the supernatural reflect the ideals of Romantic literature.
- Supernatural — The presence of a deceased lover and the exploration of life after death indicate supernatural elements.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, typical of lyric poetry.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Love · Midnight · Moonlight · Nature · Beauty · Sensuality · Intimacy · Longing · Yearning · Dreams