Love and a Day by Madison Cawein
The poem unfolds through three distinct sections, each representing a different time of day—morning, noon, and twilight—while exploring the theme of love and the pursuit of romantic connection. In the first section, the speaker, inspired by the beauty of a summer morning, seeks guidance from Love on how to approach a beloved. Love advises the speaker to woo the girl, suggesting that he should follow her as she milks cows in a clover field and whisper sweet nothings into her ear. The imagery evokes a sense of innocence and the freshness of new love. The second section transitions to the heat of noon, where the atmosphere is filled with the scents of summer. The speaker again turns to Love for advice, who reiterates the call to woo. This time, the setting shifts to a harvest scene, where the speaker is encouraged to take the beloved's hand amidst the rakers in the fields, emphasizing the importance of seizing the moment and not accepting rejection. In the final section, the day gives way to twilight, characterized by a sense of calm and reflection. The speaker seeks Love's counsel once more, and Love instructs him to meet the beloved at a trysting place. The advice culminates in a passionate embrace, urging the speaker to overcome any resistance and express his feelings under the stars. Throughout the poem, the repetitive refrain of "Go woo" serves as a mantra, reinforcing the urgency and simplicity of love's pursuit. The vivid imagery and rhythmic structure create a lyrical quality, capturing the essence of romantic longing and the beauty of nature intertwined with human emotion. The work ultimately celebrates the timeless dance of love across the stages of a single day.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Lyric · 564 words
First lines
I. In girandoles of gladioles The day had kindled flame; And Heaven a door of gold and pearl Unclosed when Morning, -- like a girl, A red rose twisted in a curl, -- Down sapphire stairways came.
Said I to Love: "What must I do? What shall I do? what can I do? " Said I to Love: "What must I do? All on a summer's morning."
What this Textopian page supports
Love and a Day 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: Poetry, Romance, Lyric, Nature, Symbolism
- Length: 564 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Music by Madison Cawein
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around love and courtship, focusing on romantic interactions.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, typical of lyric poetry.
- Nature — Nature imagery is prevalent throughout the poem, enhancing the romantic themes.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Love · Nature · Imagery · Symbolism · Metaphor · Personification · Alliteration · Assonance · Consonance · Free Verse