Geraldine by Madison Cawein (1904)
The poem reflects on a past romantic encounter with a woman named Geraldine, evoking themes of love, memory, and loss. The speaker reminisces about their first meeting during a summer night filled with beauty and enchantment. He describes the setting, rich with imagery of nature, music, and the intoxicating atmosphere of love. The speaker idealizes Geraldine, comparing her to legendary figures of beauty and romance, emphasizing her allure and the deep connection they shared. He recalls the intimate moments they spent together, highlighting the emotions and sensations that accompanied their interactions. The kiss they shared is portrayed as a pivotal moment, filled with passion and sincerity. As the poem progresses, the tone shifts to one of sorrow and disbelief. The speaker grapples with the realization that Geraldine has forgotten their love, expressing a sense of betrayal and heartache. He reflects on the nature of love and perception, questioning whether his feelings were genuine or merely an illusion. The repetition of her name underscores his longing and the pain of lost affection. Ultimately, the work captures the bittersweet essence of love, the fleeting nature of memories, and the anguish of unreciprocated feelings, leaving the speaker in a state of unresolved yearning for what once was.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1904 · Genre: Romantic Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Narrative Poetry · 1,467 words
First lines
Ah, Geraldine, lost Geraldine, That night of love, when first we met, You have forgotten, Geraldine -- I never dreamed you would forget.
Ah, Geraldine, sweet Geraldine, More lovely than that Asian queen, Scheherazade, the beautiful, Who in her orient palace cool Of India, for a thousand nights And one, beside her monarch lay, Telling -- while sandal-scented lights And music stole the soul away -- Love tales of old Arabia, Full of enchantments and emprise -- But no enchantments like your eyes.
What this Textopian page supports
Geraldine is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1904 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: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romantic Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Narrative Poetry, Elegiac Poetry, Symbolism
- Length: 1,467 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Romantic Poetry — The poem centers around themes of love, longing, and nostalgia, characteristic of romantic poetry.
- Lyric Poetry — The personal expression of emotions and thoughts about love and loss aligns with the conventions of lyric poetry.
- Narrative Poetry — The poem tells a story of a romantic encounter and its aftermath, fitting the narrative poetry genre.
- Elegiac Poetry — The themes of loss and remembrance suggest an elegiac quality, reflecting on what has been lost.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Feminine Perspective · Nature Imagery · Symbolism · Imagery · Figurative Language · Metaphor · Simile · Personification · Alliteration