Evasion by Madison Cawein (1903)
The poem explores the theme of unrequited love, where the speaker expresses deep feelings for someone who has not reciprocated. The speaker questions the nature of their affection, pondering whether it stems from a mysterious connection or an innate desire. Despite the absence of encouragement or acknowledgment from the beloved, the speaker remains captivated, likening their longing to a bee's pursuit of a flower, which is driven by the promise of sweetness. The speaker reflects on the lack of verbal affirmation from the beloved, contrasting their silence with the natural world, where interactions are often reciprocal. This absence of reassurance intensifies the speaker's yearning, as they seek validation for their feelings. The beloved is portrayed as an unattainable ideal, represented by a distant spire in the sky, symbolizing both aspiration and challenge. Throughout the poem, the speaker grapples with the tension between hope and despair, as they continue to strive for a connection that seems perpetually out of reach. The imagery evokes a sense of longing and aspiration, underscoring the emotional complexity of loving someone who remains unaware of the speaker's devotion. The poem ultimately captures the essence of desire, the pain of unreciprocated feelings, and the relentless pursuit of love, even in the face of uncertainty.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1903 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 225 words
First lines
I. Why do I love you, who have never given My heart encouragement or any cause? Is it because, as earth is held of heaven, Your soul holds mine by some mysterious laws? Perhaps, unseen of me, within your eyes The answer lies, the answer lies.
II. From your sweet lips no word hath ever fallen To tell my heart its love is not in vain -- The bee that wooes the flow'r hath honey and pollen To cheer him on and bring him back again: But what have I, your other friends above, To feed my love, to feed my love?
What this Textopian page supports
Evasion is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1903 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: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric, Love Poetry, Symbolism
- Length: 225 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on themes of love and desire.
- Romanticism — The themes of unrequited love and idealized emotions align with Romantic literary traditions.
- Lyric — The personal expression of feelings and emotions characterizes the work as a lyric poem.
- Love Poetry — The central theme revolves around love, making it a specific subset of poetry.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Symbolism · Nature · Imagery · Metaphor · Allegory · Mystery · Romance · Fantasy · Realism · Psychological Insight