In November by Madison Cawein (1909)
The poem explores the themes of melancholy, decay, and the transition from the vibrancy of summer to the somberness of late autumn. It contrasts the vibrant imagery typically associated with autumn with a more subdued, gray landscape that evokes feelings of sadness and loss. The speaker reflects on the beauty of nature, even in its decline, finding a bittersweet appreciation for the dying leaves and the quiet sounds of the forest. The imagery of "sodden gray" skies and "brown, sighing forests" conveys a sense of desolation, while the "long thick leaves" symbolize the weight of time and the inevitability of change. The poem captures the essence of nature's cycle, where beauty is intertwined with sorrow. The fallen leaves serve as a metaphor for lost hopes and dreams, echoing the transient nature of life. The speaker's connection to the landscape is deep and personal, revealing a love for the melancholic beauty of the season. The "baby-babble" of the leaves suggests a gentle, almost childlike quality to the sounds of nature, contrasting with the harsh realities of the world. This duality reflects the complexity of emotions tied to the changing seasons, where joy and sorrow coexist. Overall, the work encapsulates a profound appreciation for the natural world, even in its moments of decline, highlighting the beauty found in impermanence and the emotional resonance of autumn's arrival.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1909 · Genre: Poetry, Nature, Romanticism · 255 words
First lines
No windy white of wind-blown clouds is thine, No windy white but low and sodden gray, That holds the melancholy skies and kills The wild song and the wild bird; yet, ai me! Thy melancholy skies and mournful woods, Brown, sighing forests dying that I love! Thy long thick leaves deep, deep about my feet, Slow, weary feet that halt or falter on; Thy long, sweet, reddened leaves that burn and die With silent fever of the sickened wold.
What this Textopian page supports
In November 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, Nature, Romanticism, Melancholy, Lyrical
- Length: 255 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for In November by Madison Cawein
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering In November?
- How does this poem by Madison Cawein fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Another Old Song by Edward Thomas
- Indian Summer by Madison Cawein
- Late October by Madison Cawein
- A November Sketch by Madison Cawein
- When Early March Seems Middle May by James Whitcomb Riley
- In Late Fall by Madison Cawein
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Nature — The themes revolve around the natural world, particularly the changing seasons and their emotional impact.
- Romanticism — The poem expresses deep emotions and a connection to nature, characteristic of Romantic literature.
- Melancholy — The tone and themes convey a sense of sadness and reflection on loss and decay.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Autumn · Seasonal · Mood · Atmosphere · Imagery · Symbolism · Metaphor · Personification · Emotion · Reflection