Invocation by Madison Cawein (1902)

Name: Invocation
Author: Madison Cawein

The poem explores profound themes of existence, divinity, and the human condition. It begins with a passionate address to life, death, and God, expressing a deep yearning for understanding and connection with the divine. The speaker questions their efforts and struggles, seeking affirmation of their experiences and aspirations. The second section reflects on the tension between human ambition and societal scorn, highlighting the challenges faced by those who strive for greatness. The imagery of celestial bodies and the reference to poets like Keats emphasizes the fleeting nature of artistic brilliance and the inevitability of loss. In the third section, the poem delves into the duality of beauty and sorrow, acknowledging the tears and struggles of humanity. The speaker grapples with the idea of a distant God who remains above human suffering yet is aware of the emotional turmoil experienced by individuals. This juxtaposition raises questions about divine empathy and the nature of existence. The final section celebrates the beauty of nature and the emotional responses it evokes. It reflects on the interconnectedness of life, death, and the natural world, portraying a rich tapestry of experiences that encompass joy, pain, and the passage of time. The speaker acknowledges the complexity of existence, recognizing the rights of humanity within the vastness of the universe. Overall, the work is a meditation on the search for meaning, the struggle against despair, and the quest for a deeper understanding of the divine amidst the beauty and tragedy of life.

By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Spiritual, Philosophical · 611 words

First lines

I. O Life! O Death! O God! Have I not striven? Have I not known thee, God, As thy stars know Heaven? Have I not held thee true, True as thy deepest, Sweet and immaculate blue, Of nights that feel thy dew? Have I not _known_ thee true, O God that keepest?

II. O God, my father, God! Didst give me fire To rise above the clod, And soar, aspire! What tho' I strive and strive, And all my life says live, The sneerful scorn of men But beats it down again; And, O! sun-centered high, O God! grand poet! Beneath thy tender sky Each day new Keatses die, And thou dost know it!

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Invocation is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1902 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Madison Cawein
Date: 1902 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Spiritual, Philosophical, Nature, Lyric
Length: 611 words
Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on themes of existence, divinity, and nature.
Spiritual — The text explores deep spiritual themes, questioning the relationship between humanity and God.
Philosophical — It delves into existential questions and the nature of life and death, reflecting on human struggles and aspirations.
Nature — Nature imagery is prevalent throughout the work, highlighting the beauty and complexity of the natural world.