Longings by Madison Cawein (1902)
The poem explores themes of longing and the beauty of nature, particularly in the context of spring. It begins with the imagery of violets blooming under blue skies, evoking a sense of renewal and emotional depth. The speaker draws a parallel between the natural world and romantic feelings, suggesting that the beauty of spring mirrors the sweetness and vulnerability of a beloved. As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the blossoming May-apples, likening their delicate appearance to the innocence and bashfulness of a lover. This connection between nature and personal emotion emphasizes a yearning for purity and connection, both with the environment and with a significant other. The speaker expresses a desire to escape the confines of urban life, symbolized by "town-dust," and to immerse themselves in the freshness of spring. This longing is not just for the physical beauty of the season but also for the emotional rejuvenation it brings. The call to "gaze in Spring's clean eyes" signifies a wish to embrace new beginnings and the joy that comes with them. Overall, the work encapsulates a deep appreciation for nature's beauty as a catalyst for personal longing and emotional awakening, intertwining the themes of love, renewal, and the desire for connection with both the natural world and a romantic partner.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Romantic Poetry · 146 words
First lines
Now when the first wild violets peer All rain-filled at blue April skies, As on one smiles one's sweetheart dear With the big teardrops in her eyes:
Now when the May-apples, I wis, Bloom white along lone, greenwood creeks, As bashful as the cheeks you kiss, As waxen as your sweetheart's cheeks:
Within the soul what longings rise To stamp the town-dust from the feet! Fare forth to gaze in Spring's clean eyes, And kiss her cheeks so cool and sweet!
What this Textopian page supports
Longings is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1902 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: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Romantic Poetry, Imagist Poetry, Sentimental Poetry
- Length: 146 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Longings 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 Longings?
- 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
- Touches by Madison Cawein
- Mist In The Valley by Edna St Vincent Millay
- Why Should I Pine by Madison Cawein
- Every Rose Hath Its Thorn by James Mcintyre
- Look How The Bittersweet by Edna St Vincent Millay
- Serenade by Madison Cawein
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Nature Poetry — The poem vividly describes natural imagery and the beauty of spring, emphasizing the connection between nature and human emotions.
- Romantic Poetry — Themes of love and longing are central, aligning with the characteristics of Romantic poetry.
- Imagist Poetry — The use of precise imagery and focus on visual details reflects the principles of Imagism.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Nature · Emotions · Longing · Love · Loss · Sorrow · Melancholy · Hope · Desire · Yearning