Dum Vivimus by Madison Cawein (1902)
The work explores themes of joy, transience, and the pursuit of pleasure amidst the inevitability of death. It begins with a celebration of life through the metaphor of wine, suggesting that indulgence can drown out sorrow and elevate the spirit. The speaker invites revelry, drawing on the wisdom of ancient poets who extolled love and hedonism, emphasizing the fleeting nature of happiness and the certainty of mortality. The second section reflects on the uncertainty of life, acknowledging that happiness is elusive and often overshadowed by the specter of death. The speaker contemplates the futility of existence, echoing the sentiment that all is vanity. In response, there is a call to embrace folly and joy, suggesting that wisdom can be found in the acceptance of life's impermanence. In the third section, the work references the Eastern poet Hafiz, celebrating wine and beauty as essential to a fulfilling life. The speaker urges a departure from sorrow, advocating for the enjoyment of life's pleasures while they last. The imagery of a tavern symbolizes a temporary refuge from the harsh realities of existence, contrasting the joy of the present with the inevitable fate that awaits all. The conclusion underscores the importance of seizing the moment, as the finality of death looms, leaving behind only darkness and dust.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Philosophical Poetry, Romanticism · 362 words
First lines
I. Now with the marriage of the lip and beaker Let Joy be born! and in the rosy shine, The slanting starlight of the lifted liquor, Let Care, the hag, be drowned! No more repine At all life's ills! Come, bury them in wine! Room for great guests! Yea, let us usher in Philosophies of old Anacreon And Omar, that, from dawn to glorious dawn, Shall lesson us in love and song and sin.
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Dum Vivimus 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, Philosophical Poetry, Romanticism, Existentialism, Celebratory Poetry
- Length: 362 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work is characterized by its expressive and emotional language, focusing on themes of love, joy, and the transient nature of life.
- Philosophical Poetry — The poem explores deep philosophical themes such as the nature of happiness, the inevitability of death, and the concept of vanity.
- Romanticism — The emphasis on beauty, nature, and emotional depth aligns with the characteristics of Romantic literature.
- Existentialism — The contemplation of existence, the uncertainty of life, and the search for meaning reflect existential themes.
Tags
Poetry · Philosophy · Existentialism · Mortality · Life · Death · Human Condition · Nature · Beauty · Suffering · Pain · Joy