O Maytime Woods! by Madison Cawein
The poem evokes a vivid and romantic portrayal of a serene natural setting during springtime, filled with lush imagery and a sense of longing. The speaker reflects on the beauty of the woods and lanes, infused with the scents of blooming flowers and the gentle presence of the moonlight. This tranquil environment serves as a backdrop for the speaker's yearning for a beloved, whose presence is felt but not seen. The speaker stands in anticipation, hoping for a sign of the beloved, whether it be the rustle of her gown or the soft sounds of her footsteps. The night is personified as a sultana, suggesting a sense of mystery and allure, while love is depicted as a bold prince defying the constraints of the night. The imagery of blooming quince and the fragrant air enhances the romantic atmosphere, creating a dreamlike quality. As the speaker contemplates the beauty surrounding him, he expresses a desire to penetrate the sanctity of the beloved's chamber, longing to witness her in a state of peaceful slumber. The poem captures the essence of youthful love, the interplay between nature and emotion, and the profound impact of unfulfilled desire. The lush descriptions and the interplay of light and shadow contribute to a sense of enchantment, making the woods a symbol of both beauty and longing.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Poetry · 464 words
First lines
From the idyll "Wild Thorn and Lily"
O Maytime woods! O Maytime lanes and hours! And stars, that knew how often there at night Beside the path, where woodbine odors blew Between the drowsy eyelids of the dusk, -- When, like a great, white, pearly moth, the moon Hung silvering long windows of your room, -- I stood among the shrubs! The dark house slept. I watched and waited for -- I know not what! -- Some tremor of your gown: a velvet leaf's Unfolding to caresses of the Spring: The rustle of your footsteps: or the dew Syllabling avowal on a tulip's lips Of odorous scarlet: or the whispered word Of something lovelier than new leaf or rose -- The word young lips half murmur in a dream:
What this Textopian page supports
O Maytime Woods! 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: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Poetry, Symbolism, Imagism
- Length: 464 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for O Maytime Woods! by Madison Cawein
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Preludes by Madison Cawein
- In Pearl And Gold by Madison Cawein
- The Dreamer by Madison Cawein
- Airy Tongues by Madison Cawein
- In The Forest by Madison Cawein
- Celandine by Edward Thomas
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work is characterized by its emotional expression and musical quality, typical of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of nature, love, and idealized beauty align with the principles of Romantic literature.
- Nature Poetry — The vivid imagery and focus on the natural world highlight the genre of nature poetry.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols, such as flowers and the moon, conveys deeper meanings and emotions.
Tags
Nature Poetry · Romanticism · Symbolism · Imagery · Sensuality · Mystery · Whimsy · Fantasy · Dreamlike · Ethereal · Lyrical · Poetic