Deficiency by Madison Cawein (1903)
The poem expresses a deep yearning for nature and a sense of spiritual deficiency in the speaker's current existence. The speaker longs to escape to a serene, natural environment filled with vibrant flora and fauna, where the beauty of the landscape can invigorate the soul. The imagery evokes a pastoral setting, highlighting elements such as elder coppices, blooming flowers, and the sounds of nature, which contrast sharply with the speaker's present state of discontent. The speaker reflects on the sensory experiences of nature—the sights, sounds, and scents that bring joy and fulfillment. The mention of specific details, like the old rail-fence, wildflowers, and the movement of minnows in the stream, emphasizes a connection to the earth and a desire for simplicity and peace. The repetition of the phrase "Ah, God! were I away, away," underscores a profound sense of longing and a wish to transcend the limitations of the current environment. Ultimately, the work conveys a theme of spiritual deficiency, suggesting that true fulfillment and connection to the divine can be found in the beauty of the natural world. The speaker believes that immersing oneself in nature can restore the soul and provide a deeper understanding of existence, contrasting the richness of the natural experience with the emptiness felt in the absence of such connection.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1903 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Spiritual Poetry · 297 words
First lines
Ah, God! were I away, away, By woodland-belted hills! There might be more in Thy bright day Than my poor spirit thrills.
The elder coppice, banks of blooms, The spice-wood brush, the field Of tumbled clover, and perfumes Hot, weedy pastures yield.
The old rail-fence whose angles hold Bright briar and sassafras, Sweet priceless wild flowers blue and gold Starred through the moss and grass.
The ragged path that winds unto Lone cow-behaunted nooks, Through brambles to the shade and dew Of rocks and woody brooks.
What this Textopian page supports
Deficiency 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, Nature Poetry, Spiritual Poetry, Romanticism, Imagery
- Length: 297 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- Out Of Reach by James Whitcomb Riley
- Out In The Dark by Edward Thomas
- Gone by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Wood Road by Edna St Vincent Millay
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Nature Poetry — The poem vividly describes natural landscapes and elements, emphasizing the beauty of the natural world.
- Spiritual Poetry — The poem contains themes of longing for a deeper spiritual connection with nature and God.
- Romanticism — The emphasis on emotion, nature, and individual experience aligns with Romantic literary themes.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature · Philosophy · Existentialism · Mortality · Loss · Longing · Melancholy · Solitude · Isolation