Going for the Cows by Madison Cawein
The poem depicts a pastoral scene filled with vivid imagery and sensory details, capturing the essence of rural life. The setting is an orchard, where the speaker observes the ripe fruits and the natural beauty surrounding him. The apples, pears, and peaches are described in rich, evocative language, emphasizing their colors and textures. The speaker, a young boy, is portrayed as carefree and playful, wandering barefoot and whistling a tune while interacting with the environment, such as crushing fragrant herbs underfoot. As the boy moves through the orchard, he is accompanied by the sounds of nature, including the distant ringing of cowbells and the bubbling of a nearby fountain. The atmosphere is serene and idyllic, filled with the warmth of the sun and the scents of blooming flowers and fresh earth. The imagery evokes a sense of nostalgia and innocence, reflecting the simplicity and beauty of rural life. The second section introduces a girl leaning against a fence, dressed in a gingham gown, embodying youthful beauty and charm. The speaker's attention shifts to her, highlighting her natural grace and the way she interacts with her surroundings. The girl is depicted as unaware of the boy's approach, lost in the beauty of the wild roses nearby. Their eventual meeting is marked by a playful exchange, culminating in a kiss that signifies a moment of connection and affection. Overall, the work captures the essence of youth, nature, and the fleeting moments of love and beauty found in everyday life. The interplay between the boy and girl serves as a focal point, illustrating the innocence of young love against the backdrop of a vibrant, pastoral landscape. The poem celebrates the richness of sensory experiences and the simple joys of rural existence, inviting readers to appreciate the beauty in both nature and human connection.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1904 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Nature Writing · 579 words
First lines
I. The juice-big apples' sullen gold, Like lazy Sultans laughed and lolled 'Mid heavy mats of leaves that lay Green-flatten'd 'gainst the glaring day; And here a pear of rusty brown, And peaches on whose brows the down Waxed furry as the ears of Pan, And, like Diana's cheeks, whose tan Burnt tender secresies of fire, Or wan as Psyche's with desire Of lips that love to kiss or taste Voluptuous ripeness there sweet placed. And down the orchard vistas he, -- Barefooted, trousers out at knee, Face shadowing from the sloping sun A hat of straw, brim-sagging broad, -- Came, lowly whistling some vague tune, Upon the sunbeam-sprinkled road. Lank in his hand a twig with which In boyish thoughtlessness he crushed Rare pennyroyal myriads rich In pungent souls that warmly gushed. Before him whirled in rattling fear The saffron-bellied grasshopper; And ringing from the musky dells Came faint the cows' melodious bells, Where whimp'ring like a fretful hound The fountain bubbled up in sound.
What this Textopian page supports
Going for the Cows 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: Poetry, Romance, Nature Writing, Pastoral, Coming-of-Age
- Length: 579 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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- Work identity for Going for the Cows by Madison Cawein
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rich imagery and lyrical language typical of poetry.
- Romance — The themes of love and attraction between characters are central to the narrative.
- Nature Writing — The vivid descriptions of the natural environment and rural settings are prominent throughout the text.
- Pastoral — The depiction of rural life and simplicity aligns with pastoral themes.
Tags
Fiction · Novel · Literary Fiction · Coming-of-Age · Family Drama · Small Town Life · Rural Setting · Social Commentary · Character Study · Psychological Insight · Emotional Depth · Themes of Identity