Clearing by Madison Cawein (1902)
The poem presents a vivid depiction of a tranquil evening, marked by the interplay of nature and human life. It opens with imagery of hollyhocks bending under the weight of rain, setting a somber yet beautiful tone. The day transitions into night, with the air thick with moisture and the soft glow of cottage lamps illuminating the streets. As the speaker gazes beyond their yard, they observe the moon struggling to break free from the clouds, symbolizing a sense of longing or aspiration. The moon's appearance is likened to a precious gem, marred yet beautiful, suggesting resilience amidst adversity. The wind, personified as a gentle touch, evokes a sense of comfort and solace, reminiscent of a woman's caress that alleviates sorrow. The imagery of the moon and stars in a calm sky hints at hope and the promise of a new day. The poem encapsulates themes of nature's beauty, the passage of time, and the emotional landscape of the human experience, ultimately conveying a sense of peace and anticipation for tomorrow.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Nature, Romanticism · 293 words
First lines
Before the wind, with rain-drowned stocks, The pleated crimson hollyhocks Are bending; And, smouldering in the breaking brown, Above the hills that edge the town, The day is ending.
The air is heavy with the damp; And, one by one, each cottage lamp Is lighted; Infrequent passers of the street Stroll on or stop to talk or greet, Benighted.
I look beyond my city yard, And watch the white moon struggling hard, Cloud-buried; The wind is driving toward the east, A wreck of pearl, all cracked and creased And serried.
At times the moon, erupting, streaks Some long cloud; like Andean peaks That double Horizon-vast volcano chains, The earthquake scars with lava veins That bubble.
What this Textopian page supports
Clearing 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, Nature, Romanticism, Lyric, Imagism
- Length: 293 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, utilizing rhythm and imagery characteristic of poetry.
- Nature — The poem explores themes of nature, including weather, landscapes, and the changing sky.
- Romanticism — The emotional depth and appreciation for nature reflect Romantic ideals.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal feelings and thoughts, typical of lyric poetry.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Mystery · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Allegory · Folklore · Mythology · Spirituality · Existentialism · Philosophy