Feud by Madison Cawein (1900)
The poem presents a desolate landscape, leading the reader through a neglected lane bordered by dying flora, descending into a shadowy wood. A stream flows quietly, and a bridge of logs suggests a once-busy passage now worn by time. The atmosphere is heavy with a sense of foreboding, as the surroundings appear cursed. The imagery of a dilapidated fence and a battered barn evokes neglect and decay, while fields overrun with weeds symbolize abandonment. The path, overgrown and uncertain, leads to a woodshed and ultimately to a house marked by violence. The description of the house, with its crumbling chimney and bullet-riddled door, conveys a history of conflict and tragedy. Inside, the emptiness is palpable, with sunlight illuminating faded remnants of the past—old journals and torn advertisements. The house, once a home, now feels lifeless, as if it too bears the scars of the violent events that transpired within its walls. The poem captures the haunting legacy of a place marred by a history of murder, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape and its remnants.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1900 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Gothic Fiction · 422 words
First lines
A mile of lane, -- hedged high with iron-weeds And dying daisies, -- white with sun, that leads Downward into a wood; through which a stream Steals like a shadow; over which is laid A bridge of logs, worn deep by many a team, Sunk in the tangled shade.
Far off a wood-dove lifts its lonely cry; And in the sleepy silver of the sky A gray hawk wheels scarce larger than a hand. From point to point the road grows worse and worse, Until that place is reached where all the land Seems burdened with some curse.
What this Textopian page supports
Feud is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1900 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: 1900 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Nature Writing, Historical Fiction
- Length: 422 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and imagery to convey emotions and themes.
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores deep themes of violence, decay, and the passage of time, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Gothic Fiction — The setting and themes evoke a sense of dread and the supernatural, typical of Gothic literature.
- Nature Writing — The vivid descriptions of the natural landscape and its interplay with human emotion reflect elements of nature writing.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature · Conflict · Family · Drama · Tragedy · Romance · Love · Hatred · Revenge