Encouragement by Madison Cawein
The poem explores themes of hope, faith, and the human struggle against adversity. It begins by invoking nature as a source of inspiration and guidance. The imagery of trees symbolizes stability and wisdom, offering a "council" that nurtures hope. The stars represent a higher power, providing reassurance and serving as "gospels" that uplift faith. The speaker calls for divine assistance to overcome life's challenges, emphasizing the need for strength and resilience. The "rock-rough pathway" signifies the difficulties faced in life, while the "care-dark way of time" reflects the burdens and uncertainties that accompany existence. The poem ultimately conveys a message of perseverance, urging individuals to draw strength from both nature and spirituality to navigate their journeys.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1903 · Genre: Poetry, Inspirational, Religious · 119 words
First lines
To help our tired hope to toil, / Lo! have we not the council here / Of trees, that to all hope appear / As sermons of the soil?
To help our flagging faith to rise, / Lo! have we not the high advice / Of stars, that for all faith suffice / As gospels of the skies?
Sustain us, Lord! and help us climb, / With hope and faith made strong and great, / The rock-rough pathway of our fate, / The care-dark way of time!
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on themes of hope and faith.
- Inspirational — The themes of encouragement and support for perseverance are central to the text.
- Religious — The references to divine assistance and spiritual guidance indicate a religious undertone.
- Nature — The imagery of trees and stars suggests a connection to the natural world as a source of inspiration.
Tags
Poetry · Inspirational · Motivational · Uplifting · Optimistic · Hopeful · Empowering · Encouraging · Positive · Affirming · Moral · Philosophical
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Encouragement is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1903 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Madison Cawein
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Inspirational, Religious, Nature, Philosophical
- Length: 119 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
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