Drouth in Autumn by Madison Cawein
The poem depicts a desolate autumn landscape marked by drought and decay. The imagery evokes a sense of barrenness, with gnarled oak trees silhouetted against a fiery sky, suggesting both beauty and desolation. The wind is described as frosty and relentless, affecting the sparse leaves and the sounds of nature, such as the cricket's song, which is muted in this harsh environment. The landscape is characterized by stubble and brambles, with colors of dull maroon indicating a lack of vitality. Hills are described as creekless, emphasizing the absence of water and life, while the loon, a waterfowl, appears haggard, mirroring the overall sense of exhaustion and despair in the scene. The poem captures the stark contrast between the vibrant life of summer and the stark, lifeless quality of autumn under drought conditions, reflecting themes of nature's cycles, loss, and the impact of environmental changes. The tone is somber, evoking feelings of melancholy and reflection on the harsh realities of the season.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Symbolism · 112 words
First lines
Gnarled acorn-oaks against a west Of copper, cavernous with fire; A wind of frost that gives no rest To such lean leaves as haunt the brier, And hide the cricket's vibrant wire.
Sear, shivering shocks, and stubble blurred With bramble-blots of dull maroon; And creekless hills whereon no herd Finds pasture, and whereo'er the loon Flies, haggard as the rainless moon.
What this Textopian page supports
Drouth in Autumn 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 Writing, Symbolism, Romanticism, Imagism
- Length: 112 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing imagery and rhythm typical of poetry.
- Nature Writing — The themes focus on the natural landscape and seasonal changes, reflecting on the environment.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols, such as the 'rainless moon' and 'lean leaves', conveys deeper meanings about desolation and change.
- Romanticism — The emphasis on emotion and nature aligns with Romantic literary themes.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Autumn · Drought · Desertion · Loneliness · Isolation · Solitude · Melancholy · Longing · Nostalgia · Loss