Discovery by Madison Cawein (1902)

Name: Discovery
Author: Madison Cawein

The poem explores the speaker's yearning for a connection with nature and a beloved figure, symbolized as "May." The imagery evokes a serene landscape filled with vibrant flora, suggesting a deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. The speaker contemplates various settings—mossy nooks, ferny creeks, and valleys adorned with flowers—indicating a desire to find solace and inspiration in these environments. The beloved is depicted with vivid characteristics, such as "redbud cheeks" and "bluet eyes," which enhance her ethereal quality. The speaker's anticipation of her arrival is palpable, as he imagines her moving gracefully through the landscape, embodying the essence of spring and renewal. The use of sensory details, like the "sweet May" and "wild-rose hair," creates an intimate connection between the speaker and the beloved, suggesting that she represents not only love but also the rejuvenating power of nature. As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the joy and magic that this connection brings. The imagery of birds singing and blossoms blooming reinforces the theme of harmony between the speaker's emotions and the natural world. The final lines encapsulate the transformative experience of love and nature, where the speaker's soul is nourished by the presence of his beloved, merging the physical and emotional realms. Overall, the work conveys a profound appreciation for the interplay between love and nature, illustrating how both can evoke feelings of joy, beauty, and transcendence. The speaker's journey is not just a search for a person but also a quest for a deeper understanding of life and its wonders.

By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Romantic Poetry · 242 words

First lines

What is it now that I shall seek Where woods dip downward, in the hills? -- A mossy nook, a ferny creek, And May among the daffodils.

Or in the valley's vistaed glow, Past rocks of terraced trumpet vines, Shall I behold her coming slow, Sweet May, among the columbines?

With redbud cheeks and bluet eyes, Big eyes, the homes of happiness, To meet me with the old surprise, Her wild-rose hair all bonnetless.

Who waits for me, where, note for note, The birds make glad the forest trees? -- A dogwood blossom at her throat, My May among th' anemones.

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Discovery 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, Romantic Poetry, Imagist Poetry, Pastoral Poetry
Length: 242 words
Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Nature Poetry — The vivid imagery of natural elements and landscapes is central to the poem's themes.
Romantic Poetry — The themes of love and beauty, along with the idealization of nature, align with Romantic poetry.
Imagist Poetry — The focus on precise imagery and sensory experiences reflects Imagist principles.