Clouds by Madison Cawein (1902)
The poem explores the beauty and majesty of clouds during a summer night, emphasizing their dynamic movement and the sensory experience of rain. The speaker observes the clouds as they traverse the sky, likening their movement to that of majestic beings. The rain is described as a soothing, musical presence that enhances the atmosphere. The imagery evokes a sense of wonder, with references to the clouds' "ponderous limbs" and "hearts of thunder," suggesting both power and grace. The lightning serves as a moment of illumination, revealing the richness of the landscape, while the rain is portrayed as a generous gift, likened to alms from a divine source. The speaker expresses gratitude for this natural spectacle, recognizing the clouds as instruments of a higher power that nourish the earth. The poem captures the interplay between nature's elements, highlighting the emotional and spiritual connection one can feel in the presence of such grandeur. The overall tone is one of reverence and appreciation for the beauty of the natural world.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Imagism · 168 words
First lines
All through the tepid Summer night The starless sky had poured a cool Monotony of pleasant rain In music beautiful.
And for an hour I'd sat to watch Clouds moving on majestic feet, Had heard down avenues of night Their hearts of thunder beat;
Saw ponderous limbs far-veined with gold Pulse fiery life o'er wood and plain, While scattered, fell from monstrous palms The largess of the rain;
Beholding at each lightning's flash The generous silver on the sod, In meek devotion bowed, I thanked These almoners of God.
What this Textopian page supports
Clouds 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, Nature Poetry, Imagism, Romanticism, Spiritual Poetry
- Length: 168 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Confusing
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- One Day And Another by Madison Cawein
- The Tulip by Emily Dickinson
- The Bridge by Edward Thomas
- Night by Madison Cawein
- Last Days by Madison Cawein
- A Rose by Emily Dickinson
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts through vivid imagery and musical language.
- Nature Poetry — The themes revolve around natural elements, particularly clouds and rain, highlighting their beauty and impact.
- Imagism — The use of precise imagery and clear visual descriptions aligns with the principles of Imagism.
- Romanticism — The poem reflects Romantic ideals through its appreciation of nature and emotional depth.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Philosophy · Existentialism · Mortality · Life · Death · Fleeting Nature of Life · Impermanence · Transience · Beauty · Sorrow