Dirge by Madison Cawein (1902)
The poem explores themes of death, memory, and the natural world. It reflects on the silence and stillness surrounding a deceased loved one, emphasizing the tranquility of the setting where the individual rests. The imagery of weeping willows and flowing waters evokes a sense of sorrow intertwined with beauty. The speaker contemplates what will remain in the absence of the deceased, pondering the sounds and scents of nature that provide solace. The presence of birds and bees symbolizes life continuing in the natural world, contrasting with the stillness of death. As day transitions to night, the speaker questions who or what will watch over the departed. The mention of shadows, winds, and the moon suggests a connection between the living and the dead, with nature serving as a guardian of memories. The poem ultimately conveys a sense of reverence for the deceased, highlighting the enduring bond between life and death through the lens of the natural environment.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Elegy, Nature Poetry · 188 words
First lines
What shall her silence keep Under the sun? Here, where the willows weep And waters run; Here, where she lies asleep, And all is done.
Lights, when the tree-top swings; Scents that are sown; Sounds of the wood-bird's wings; And the bee's drone: These be her comfortings Under the stone.
What shall watch o'er her here When day is fled? Here, when the night is near And skies are red; Here, where she lieth dear And young and dead.
Shadows, and winds that spill Dew; and the tune Of the wild whippoorwill; And the white moon; These be the watchers still Over her stone.
What this Textopian page supports
Dirge 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, Elegy, Nature Poetry, Romanticism, Symbolism
- Length: 188 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- A Dirge by Madison Cawein
- A Threnody by Madison Cawein
- Requiescat by Matthew Arnold
- After The Funeral by Dylan Thomas
- A Dirge by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Epitaph On Mrs Mason by Thomas Gray
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses deep emotions and personal reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Elegy — The poem mourns the loss of a loved one, fitting the themes of grief and remembrance found in elegies.
- Nature Poetry — The vivid imagery of nature and its elements reflects the beauty and tranquility associated with the natural world.
- Romanticism — The focus on emotion, nature, and individual experience aligns with the principles of Romantic literature.
Tags
Poetry · Mourning · Loss · Grief · Death · Funeral · Elegy · Lamentation · Sorrow · Pain · Regret · Longing