Child and Father by Madison Cawein
The poem depicts a nighttime scene where a child awakens in fear, calling for his father. The father rushes to comfort him, dismissing the child's fears as a mere dream. He reassures the child, holding him close until he calms down and falls back asleep, though traces of tears remain on his face. The narrative shifts to a broader reflection on the world, likening it to the child's experience. The world is portrayed as a place filled with darkness and fear, where people, like the child, cry out for divine comfort amidst their struggles. The father figure symbolizes a protective presence, suggesting that just as he comforts his child, a higher power should provide solace to those in distress. The poem concludes with a poignant observation about the many who suffer in silence, unable to find peace or comfort in their fears, highlighting the universal nature of anxiety and the longing for reassurance. The work encapsulates themes of parental love, the innocence of childhood, and the existential fears faced by humanity.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1905 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Children's Literature · 302 words
First lines
A little child, one night, awoke and cried, "Oh, help me, father! there is something wild Before me! help me! " Hurrying to his side I answered, "I am here. You dreamed, my child."
"A dream? -- " he questioned. "Oh, I could not see! It was so dark! -- Take me into your bed! " -- And I, who loved him, held him soothingly, And smiling on his terror, comforted.
What this Textopian page supports
Child and Father is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1905 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: 1905 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Children's Literature, Philosophical, Religious
- Length: 302 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
- Before We Mothernaked Fall by Dylan Thomas
- Portrait By A Neighbour by Edna St Vincent Millay
- To Others Than You by Dylan Thomas
- The Poet Speaks With Earth by Lord Dunsany
- The Path To Faery by Madison Cawein
- The Oak And The Broom by William Wordsworth
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetic forms.
- Literary Fiction — The themes explore deep emotional connections and existential reflections, typical of literary fiction.
- Children's Literature — The central focus on a child and the father-child relationship aligns with themes found in children's literature.
- Philosophical — The poem contemplates the nature of fear and the search for comfort, reflecting philosophical themes.
Tags
Poetry · Family Dynamics · Parental Love · Childhood Innocence · Emotional Depth · Literary Fiction · Psychological Insight · Symbolism · Imagery · Figurative Language · Tone · Mood