Lines by Madison Cawein (1907)
The poem explores the profound impact of beauty, truth, and love on the human spirit. It begins by acknowledging that these three ideals possess the power to elevate one's soul, suggesting that they are universal pursuits that inspire and uplift. The speaker expresses a sense of longing and aspiration, indicating that these ideals are often sought after but rarely attained in life. As the poem progresses, the speaker reveals a transformative experience upon encountering a woman who embodies all three ideals. This meeting is portrayed as a significant moment, where the abstract concepts of beauty, truth, and love converge into a singular, tangible presence. The woman becomes a vessel through which the speaker experiences the essence of these ideals, suggesting that love can manifest in a person who encapsulates the highest aspirations of the human spirit. The tone is one of reverence and admiration, as the speaker acknowledges the rarity of such an encounter. The imagery used evokes a sense of celestial wonder, likening the woman to a star that illuminates the darkness of existence. The poem ultimately conveys a message about the transformative power of love and the potential for human connections to bring forth the highest ideals of beauty and truth. The speaker's journey reflects a deep yearning for these transcendent experiences, culminating in the realization that they can be found in the presence of another.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1907 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Spiritual Poetry · 102 words
First lines
Within the world of every man's desire Three things have power to lift his soul above, Through dreams, religion, and ecstatic fire, The star-like shapes of Beauty, Truth, and Love.
I never hoped that, this side far-off Heaven, These three, -- whom all exalted souls pursue, -- I e'er should see; until to me 't was given, Lady, to meet the three, made one, in you.
What this Textopian page supports
Lines 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: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Spiritual Poetry, Philosophical Poetry, Nature Poetry
- Length: 102 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work is characterized by its focus on personal emotions and aesthetic beauty, typical of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of beauty, love, and the transcendence of the soul align with Romantic ideals.
- Spiritual Poetry — The exploration of dreams, religion, and ecstatic experiences suggests a spiritual dimension.
- Philosophical Poetry — The poem reflects on profound concepts such as truth and existence, indicative of philosophical inquiry.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Personification · Alliteration · Assonance · Consonance · Free Verse · Stream-of-Consciousness · Romanticism