Ghosts by Madison Cawein (1909)
The work explores themes of love, loss, and memory through a haunting encounter at a dance. The speaker, amidst the revelry and glamour of a social gathering, experiences a moment of ethereal connection with a deceased lover. The atmosphere is charged with music and the presence of other dancers, yet the speaker's focus shifts to the apparition of the lost sweetheart, who appears momentarily, evoking deep emotions. As the dance unfolds, the speaker grapples with the juxtaposition of the living and the dead, feeling both the warmth of the past and the chill of absence. The ghostly figure, adorned in delicate attire, symbolizes nostalgia and the enduring impact of love that transcends death. The speaker's internal conflict is palpable, as they question the nature of their experience—whether it is a mere illusion or a genuine reunion with the spirit of their beloved. The narrative captures the fleeting nature of joy and the inevitable return to reality, as the ghost fades away, leaving the speaker with a sense of longing and sorrow. The final lines emphasize the struggle between moving on and holding onto memories, illustrating how the past continues to influence the present. The work ultimately reflects on the complexities of grief and the haunting presence of lost love, resonating with anyone who has experienced the pain of separation.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1909 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Gothic · 362 words
First lines
Was it the strain of the waltz that, repeating "Love," so bewitched me? or only the gleam There of the lustres, that set my heart beating, Feeling your presence as one feels a dream?
For, on a sudden, the woman of fashion, Soft at my side in her diamonds and lace, Vanished, and pale with reproach or with passion, You, my dead sweetheart, smiled up in my face.
What this Textopian page supports
Ghosts is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1909 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: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Gothic, Lyric, Supernatural
- Length: 362 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and imagery typical of poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, loss, and nostalgia are central, reflecting the emotional depth characteristic of Romantic literature.
- Gothic — The presence of a ghost and themes of death and memory evoke Gothic elements.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, aligning with the lyric genre.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Gothic · Supernatural · Mystery · Dark Fantasy · Literary Fiction · Symbolism · Imagery · Atmosphere · Emotional