In the Lane by Madison Cawein (1907)
The poem reflects on the transition from summer to autumn, evoking a sense of nostalgia and longing for the simplicity and beauty of nature. Each stanza captures the essence of late summer, highlighting various natural elements such as insects, flowers, and celestial bodies, which symbolize the passage of time. The speaker expresses a yearning for familiar places, specifically a lane associated with memories of love and tranquility. The imagery of the hornet, bee, katydid, and owlet creates a vivid backdrop, while the references to dusk, dew, and twilight evoke a serene atmosphere. The recurring phrase "It's oh, for the..." emphasizes a deep emotional connection to these moments and places, suggesting a desire to return to a time of innocence and joy. As the seasons change, the speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of summer, contrasting the vibrancy of life with the impending stillness of autumn. The poem culminates in a longing for companionship, underscoring the importance of love and connection amidst the changing landscape. The final lines encapsulate the bittersweet essence of nostalgia, merging the beauty of nature with personal memories, ultimately celebrating the enduring impact of love in the face of time's passage.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1907 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Writing · 384 words
Editions
First lines
/ When the hornet hangs in the hollyhock, / And the brown bee drones i' the rose; / And the west is a red-streaked four-o'clock, / And summer is near its close -- / It's oh, for the gate and the locust lane, / And dusk and dew and home again!
/ When the katydid sings and the cricket cries, / And ghosts of the mists ascend; / And the evening star is a lamp i' the skies, / And summer is near its end -- / It's oh, for the fence and the leafy lane, / And the twilight peace and the tryst again!
What this Textopian page supports
In the Lane is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1907 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: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Writing, Lyric, Sentimentalism
- Length: 384 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for In the Lane 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
Similar titles
- The Wind by Madison Cawein
- The Willow Bottom by Madison Cawein
- The Winds by Madison Cawein
- Through The Green Forest by Edna St Vincent Millay
- Five Fancies by Madison Cawein
- A Voice On The Wind by Madison Cawein
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of nature, nostalgia, and love reflect the ideals of Romantic literature.
- Nature Writing — The vivid descriptions of natural settings and seasonal changes emphasize the beauty of the natural world.
- Lyric — The personal expression of emotions and feelings aligns with the characteristics of lyric poetry.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Imagery · Symbolism · Metaphor · Simile · Alliteration · Assonance · Consonance · Enjambment · Free Verse · Stream-of-Consciousness