At Twenty-One by Madison Cawein
The poem explores themes of beauty, youth, and the transcendent nature of love and art. The speaker reflects on the physical attributes of a young woman, using vivid imagery to convey her allure. Her body is described in terms of natural beauty, with comparisons to mist, jewels, and roses, emphasizing the idealization of her form. The speaker expresses a sense of awe and reverence, suggesting that her presence embodies the essence of divine creation. As the poem progresses, the speaker grapples with the fleeting nature of youth and beauty. There is an underlying tension between admiration and the inevitable passage of time. The young woman symbolizes not only physical beauty but also the deeper meanings of life, art, and love. The speaker's contemplation reveals a longing to capture and understand these ephemeral qualities. The work ultimately serves as a meditation on the relationship between the observer and the observed, highlighting the impact of beauty on the human experience. The speaker's reflections evoke a sense of nostalgia and a desire to immortalize the moment, illustrating the profound connection between art and the transient nature of life. The poem encapsulates the complexity of human emotions tied to beauty, love, and the passage of time.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1903 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Imagism · 145 words
First lines
The rosy hills of her high breasts, Whereon, like misty morning, rests The breathing lace; her auburn hair, Wherein, a star point sparkling there, One jewel burns; her eyes, that keep Recorded dreams of song and sleep; Her mouth, with whose comparison The richest rose were poor and wan; Her throat, her form -- what masterpiece Of man can picture half of these! She comes! a classic from the hand Of God! wherethrough I understand What Nature means and Art and Love, And all the lovely Myths thereof.
What this Textopian page supports
At Twenty-One is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1903 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: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Imagism, Nature Poetry, Symbolism
- Length: 145 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, focusing on beauty and admiration, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of beauty, nature, and idealized love align with the principles of Romanticism.
- Imagism — The vivid imagery and sensory details reflect the Imagist movement's focus on precise language and visual clarity.
- Nature Poetry — The poem incorporates elements of nature to enhance the themes of beauty and love.
Tags
Coming-of-age · Poetry · American Literature · Young Adult · Self-discovery · Identity Crisis · Social Commentary · Realism · Psychological Insight · Emotional Depth · Literary Fiction · Symbolism