Mirabile Dictu by Madison Cawein
The poem presents a mystical and ethereal goddess residing in a remote, uninhabited island, symbolizing nature's purity and beauty. This goddess is not associated with human constructs like cities or fortresses; instead, she is worshipped by the natural world—flowers, birds, and bees. Her presence is felt through enchanting songs that captivate even the wildest creatures, suggesting a profound connection between nature and the divine. The speaker expresses a deep, albeit abstract, awareness of this goddess, feeling her influence during moments of solitude. This connection evokes a sense of wonder and inspiration, prompting the speaker to desire to express love and admiration through song. The imagery conveys a longing to transcend earthly limitations, seeking communion with the divine essence of the goddess. The poem explores themes of nature, spirituality, and the transformative power of beauty. It emphasizes the idea that true divinity is found in the simplicity and purity of the natural world, rather than in human achievements. The speaker's yearning to connect with this goddess reflects a universal desire for transcendence and the search for meaning beyond the mundane. The work ultimately celebrates the profound impact of nature on the human spirit, inviting readers to recognize and appreciate the beauty that exists in the world around them.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1901 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Poetry · 261 words
First lines
There lives a goddess in the West, An island in death-lonesome seas; No towered towns are hers confessed, No castled forts and palaces. Hers, simple worshipers at best, The buds, the birds, the bees.
And she hath wonder-worlds of song So heavenly beautiful, and shed So sweetly from her honeyed tongue, The savage creatures, it is said, Hark marble-still their wilds among, And nightingales fall dead.
I know her not, nor have I known; I only feel that she is there; For when my heart is most alone There broods communion on the air, Concedes an influence not its own, Miraculously fair.
What this Textopian page supports
Mirabile Dictu is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1901 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: 1901 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Poetry, Symbolism, Spiritual Poetry
- Length: 261 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of nature, beauty, and the divine reflect the ideals of Romanticism.
- Nature Poetry — The poem focuses on the beauty of nature and its spiritual significance.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols to convey deeper meanings aligns with Symbolist poetry.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Allegory · Mythology · Folklore · Romanticism · Realism