Moly by Madison Cawein (1908)
The poem explores themes of nature, beauty, and the interplay between joy and sorrow. It begins with vivid imagery of flowers and the sensory experiences they evoke, creating a lush backdrop that symbolizes both tranquility and longing. The speaker expresses a desire for relief from heartache, seeking solace in the enchanting qualities of music and dreams. As the poem progresses, the speaker yearns for transformation, wishing to shed sorrow and embrace happiness. The presence of ethereal beings, such as dew elves and the spirit of laughter, suggests a connection to the natural world that can provide comfort and joy. The imagery of the sunset and moonrise symbolizes the passage of time and the cyclical nature of emotions. The poem acknowledges the inevitability of decay and loss, referencing the transient nature of beauty and joy. Despite this, there is an underlying message of hope, as the speaker reflects on the resilience of the human spirit. The final lines convey a sense of anticipation, suggesting that even in moments of despair, hope remains dormant, waiting to be awakened. Overall, the work encapsulates a journey through emotional landscapes, intertwining the beauty of nature with the complexities of human experience, ultimately advocating for the enduring presence of hope amidst life's challenges.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1908 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Symbolism · 392 words
First lines
When by the wall the tiger-flower swings A head of sultry slumber and aroma; And by the path, whereon the blown rose flings Its obsolete beauty, the long lilies foam a White place of perfume, like a beautiful breast -- Between the pansy fire of the west, And poppy mist of moonrise in the east, This heartache will have ceased.
The witchcraft of soft music and sweet sleep -- Let it beguile the burthen from my spirit, And white dreams reap me as strong reapers reap The ripened grain and full blown blossom near it; Let me behold how gladness gives the whole The transformed countenance of my own soul -- Between the sunset and the risen moon Let sorrow vanish soon.
What this Textopian page supports
Moly is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1908 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: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Symbolism, Nature Poetry, Philosophical Poetry
- Length: 392 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- The Garden Of Dreams by Madison Cawein
- The Red Flower The Red Flower And Golden Stars by Henry Van Dyke
- The Two Thieves by William Wordsworth
- Of Roon The God Of Going by Lord Dunsany
- The Lonely Idol by Lord Dunsany
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem's focus on personal emotions, beauty, and nature aligns it closely with the characteristics of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of nature, emotion, and the idealization of beauty reflect the principles of Romanticism.
- Symbolism — The use of vivid imagery and symbols to convey deeper meanings is a hallmark of Symbolism.
- Nature Poetry — The poem extensively explores natural imagery and the relationship between nature and human emotion.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Mythology · Symbolism · Allegory · Fiction · Fantasy · Literary Fiction · Philosophy · Psychology · Spirituality · Mystery