March by Madison Cawein (1903)
The poem captures the essence of March as a vibrant and transformative month, personifying it as a lively, assertive figure that disrupts the stillness of winter. The imagery evokes a sense of awakening, as March brings warmth and life back to the natural world. The month is depicted as a tomboy, full of energy and exuberance, heralding the arrival of spring with laughter and song. The narrative unfolds with March traversing the landscape, engaging with the elements and encouraging the flora and fauna to emerge from their winter slumber. The half-thawed pond and the windflower symbolize the transition from cold to warmth, while the daffodils and the hyla's song signify the burgeoning life that accompanies this seasonal shift. The personification of March emphasizes its role as a catalyst for renewal, as it calls forth the trees and awakens the first signs of life, such as the bluebird. Throughout the poem, the tone is celebratory, reflecting the joy and vitality of nature's rebirth. The vivid descriptions create a dynamic atmosphere, illustrating the interplay between the elements and the awakening of the earth. The imagery of dripping woods and the opening of leaves conveys a sense of anticipation and wonder, as the natural world responds to March's call. In summary, the work encapsulates the spirit of March as a force of change, embodying the transition from winter to spring, and highlighting the beauty and excitement of nature's revival. The poem serves as a tribute to the month’s lively character and its profound impact on the environment.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1903 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Romanticism · 181 words
First lines
This is the tomboy month of all the year, March, who comes shouting o'er the winter hills, Waking the world with laughter, as she wills, Or wild halloos, a windflower in her ear. She stops a moment by the half-thawed mere And whistles to the wind, and straightway shrills The hyla's song, and hoods of daffodils Crowd golden round her, leaning their heads to hear. Then through the woods, that drip with all their eaves, Her mad hair blown about her, loud she goes Singing and calling to the naked trees; And straight the oilets of the little leaves Open their eyes in wonder, rows on rows, And the first bluebird bugles to the breeze.
What this Textopian page supports
March is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1903 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: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature Writing, Romanticism, Lyric, Imagism
- Length: 181 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for March by Madison Cawein
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering March?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and imagery typical of poetry.
- Nature Writing — The poem vividly describes the arrival of March and the awakening of nature, focusing on seasonal changes.
- Romanticism — The themes of nature, emotion, and individual experience align with Romantic literary ideals.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal feelings and observations about the season, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Tags
American Literature · Coming-of-Age · Family Drama · Historical Fiction · Literary Fiction · Nineteenth Century · Novel · Realism · Social Commentary · Young Adult