Lalage by Madison Cawein (1905)
The poem explores themes of love, desire, and the interplay between beauty and sorrow. The speaker reflects on the profound impact of a beloved figure, whose presence transforms mundane existence into something sweet and meaningful. The imagery evokes a sense of longing, with descriptions of the beloved's physical attributes—eyes, lips, hair—imbued with both allure and danger. The speaker grapples with the duality of love, recognizing its capacity to bring both joy and pain. The beloved is portrayed as a source of both inspiration and torment, embodying a paradox of beauty that captivates yet ensnares. The poem delves into the emotional landscape of love, where laughter and tears coexist, suggesting that the experience of love is complex and multifaceted. As the speaker contemplates the nature of existence, they express a desire to transcend the boundaries of life and death through love. The notion of eternal love is emphasized, suggesting that even in the face of mortality or separation, the bond shared remains indelible. The poem ultimately posits that love, in its most intense form, can defy the constraints of time and space, rendering the trials of life insignificant in comparison to the depth of connection experienced. The work culminates in a powerful affirmation of love's resilience, asserting that regardless of the circumstances—be it in heaven or hell—the essence of their love will endure. The speaker's reflections convey a sense of acceptance and determination, embracing the complexities of love while asserting its supremacy over all else.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1905 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Symbolism · 1,161 words
First lines
What were sweet life without her Who maketh all things sweet With smiles that dream about her, With dreams that come and fleet! Soft moods that end in languor; Soft words that end in sighs; Curved frownings as of anger; Cold silence of her eyes.
Sweet eyes born but for slaying, Deep violet-dark and lost In dreams of whilom Maying In climes unstung of frost. Wild eyes shot through with fire God's light in godless years, Brimmed wine-dark with desire, A birth for dreams and tears.
What this Textopian page supports
Lalage is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1905 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: 1905 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Symbolism, Elegy, Imagism
- Length: 1,161 words
- Structure: 1 section, 15 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Lalage 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 Lalage?
- How does this poem by Madison Cawein fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Lyric Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Valentine by Edgar Allan Poe
- To Lose Thee Sweeter Than To Gain by Emily Dickinson
- To One Who Might Have Borne A Message by Edna St Vincent Millay
- The Sorrow Of Love by W. B. Yeats
- And Thou Art Dead As Young And Fair by Lord Byron
- Remind Me Not Remind Me Not by Lord Byron
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses deep emotions and personal feelings, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, beauty, and nature align with the Romantic movement's focus on emotion and individual experience.
- Symbolism — The use of vivid imagery and symbols to convey deeper meanings reflects Symbolist characteristics.
- Elegy — The poem's exploration of love and loss suggests elements of an elegy, mourning the transient nature of beauty and life.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Tragedy · Love · Loss · Heartbreak · Longing · Yearning · Melancholy · Sorrow · Pain · Desire