On Chenoweth's Run by Madison Cawein
The poem reflects on a nostalgic journey through a serene landscape, evoking memories of love and loss. The speaker recalls a road winding through a glen, marked by natural features like a hawk's nest and a fox's den, symbolizing a connection to nature and past experiences. The creek, with its changing light, and a rustic bridge serve as significant locations where romantic moments were shared, highlighting the joy of love. The imagery of a house adorned with flowers and a welcoming porch further emphasizes the warmth of these memories. However, the tone shifts as the speaker contemplates the graves of loved ones, particularly the sorrow of losing someone dear. The presence of a cedar tree and the wind's mournful spirit underscore the theme of grief. The speaker expresses a deep yearning to escape the struggles of urban life, longing to return to the tranquility of the past and the resting place of the beloved. This desire for solace and reunion with the deceased reflects a profound emotional struggle, culminating in a wish to find peace on the banks of the creek where cherished memories were made. The juxtaposition of joyful recollections and the weight of sorrow creates a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the desire for connection beyond death.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Poetry · 314 words
First lines
I thought of the road through the glen, With its hawk's nest high in the pine; With its rock, where the fox had his den, 'Mid tangles of sumach and vine, Where she swore to be mine.
I thought of the creek and its banks, Now glooming, now gleaming with sun; The rustic bridge builded of planks, The bridge over Chenoweth's Run, Where I wooed her and won.
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On Chenoweth's Run 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, Elegy, Narrative Poetry
- Length: 314 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem's focus on personal emotions, nature, and romantic themes aligns it closely with lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of love, nature, and nostalgia reflect the characteristics of Romantic literature.
- Nature Poetry — The vivid descriptions of the natural landscape and its emotional impact highlight the genre of nature poetry.
- Elegy — The poem's reflection on loss and mourning connects it to the elegiac tradition.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Nature Poetry · Rural Life · Farmland · Agriculture · Seasonal Change · Autumn · Farming · Rustic Life · Country Living · Regionalism