Moonrise at Sea by Madison Cawein
The poem depicts a serene and enchanting scene at sea, where the tumultuous nature of the ocean is calmed, allowing for the arrival of a majestic ship symbolizing the moon. The ocean, previously filled with fury and chaos, now sighs in anticipation of this celestial vessel. As the moon rises from the East, it brings with it a gentle light that transforms the surroundings, creating a magical atmosphere. The imagery emphasizes the beauty and tranquility of the moment, as the ship is described with elements of pearl and fire, suggesting both elegance and warmth. The moon's ascent is accompanied by a soft, almost ethereal quality, as it slips through the clouds, illuminating the night sky. The silence of the sails and the dripping of water evoke a sense of peace and stillness, contrasting with the earlier chaos of the ocean. As the moon rises higher, it casts a shimmering glow over the sea, making the water sparkle with a mother-of-pearl sheen. The presence of spirits following the moon adds a mystical element, suggesting a connection between the celestial and the earthly. The poem captures the interplay between light and darkness, chaos and calm, ultimately celebrating the beauty of the natural world and the transformative power of the moonlit night.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Fantasy · 209 words
First lines
I. With lips that had hushed all their fury Of foam and of winds that were strewn, Of storm and of turbulent hurry, The ocean sighed; heralding soon A ship of miraculous glory, Of pearl and of fire -- the moon.
II. And up from the East, with a slipping And shudder and clinging of light, With a loos'ning of clouds and a dipping, Outbound for the Havens of Night, With a silence of sails and a dripping, The vessel came, wonderful white.
III. Then heaven and ocean were sprinkled With splendor; for every sheet And spar, and its hollow hull twinkled With mother-of-pearl. And the feet Of spirits, that followed it, crinkled The billows that under it beat.
What this Textopian page supports
Moonrise at Sea 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, Romanticism, Fantasy, Nature Writing, Symbolism
- Length: 209 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythmic and lyrical language typical of poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of nature, beauty, and emotional depth align with Romantic literary ideals.
- Fantasy — The imagery of a miraculous ship and spirits suggests elements of fantasy.
- Nature Writing — The vivid descriptions of the ocean and celestial elements emphasize the beauty of nature.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Sea · Moon · Imagery · Symbolism · Metaphor · Personification · Romanticism · Emotional · Atmospheric · Dreamlike