My Romance by Madison Cawein (1900)
The poem explores themes of love, longing, and the transcendence of time. The speaker reflects on a mystical realm where memories and emotions intertwine, evoking a sense of nostalgia and yearning for a lost connection. The imagery of stars, flowers, and a silvery sea creates an ethereal landscape that symbolizes the beauty and idealization of love. As the speaker navigates through this dreamlike world, they express a deep desire to reunite with a beloved, suggesting that their souls are intertwined across time. The notion of breaking free from earthly constraints highlights the power of love to transcend physical limitations. The garden, with its snow-white rose, serves as a sanctuary for their secret meetings, emphasizing the intimacy and exclusivity of their bond. The poem also touches on the cyclical nature of love, where past vows and sorrows resurface, indicating that the emotional scars of previous experiences continue to shape their current feelings. The speaker acknowledges the indifference of the outside world to their love, reinforcing the idea that true connection exists beyond societal recognition. Ultimately, the work encapsulates the essence of romantic idealism, portraying love as a timeless force that endures despite the passage of years and the inevitability of loss. The interplay of memory, desire, and the natural world creates a rich tapestry that celebrates the enduring power of love.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1900 · Genre: Romantic Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Imagery · 343 words
First lines
If it so befalls that the midnight hovers In mist no moonlight breaks, The leagues of the years my spirit covers, And my self myself forsakes.
And I live in a land of stars and flowers, White cliffs by a silvery sea; And the pearly points of her opal towers From the mountains beckon me.
What this Textopian page supports
My Romance is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1900 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: 1900 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romantic Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Imagery, Symbolism, Nostalgic Literature
- Length: 343 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Romantic Poetry — The poem explores themes of love, longing, and emotional connection, characteristic of romantic poetry.
- Lyric Poetry — The personal expression of feelings and thoughts aligns with the conventions of lyric poetry.
- Imagery — The vivid descriptions of nature and emotional landscapes create strong visual imagery.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols, such as flowers and stars, conveys deeper meanings related to love and memory.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Love · Nature · Imagery · Symbolism · Metaphor · Personification · Alliteration · Enjambment · Free Verse · Emotional