Pause by Madison Cawein (1902)
The poem explores themes of weariness and the desire for respite from the burdens of life and thought. The speaker expresses a deep fatigue with dreams and thoughts that complicate existence, likening them to stains and carvings that mar the purity of life. The imagery evokes a sense of entrapment within one's own mind, where hope and faith become grotesque masks that obscure true feelings. In the latter part, the speaker offers solace to a loved one, urging them to find comfort and rest. The reference to divine providence suggests a yearning for peace and a reprieve from the struggles of reality. The overall tone oscillates between despair and a tender desire to provide comfort, highlighting the contrast between the chaos of the mind and the tranquility sought in companionship. The work ultimately reflects on the human condition, the weight of existence, and the solace found in love and shared vulnerability.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Symbolism · 124 words
First lines
So sick of dreams! the dreams, that stain The aisle, along which life must pass, With hues of mystic colored glass, That fills the windows of the brain.
So sick of thoughts! the thoughts, that carve The house of days with arabesques And gargoyles, where the mind grotesques In masks of hope and faith who starve.
Here lay thy over weary head Upon my bosom! Do not weep! -- "He giveth His beloved sleep. " -- Heart of my heart, be comforted.
What this Textopian page supports
Pause 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, Symbolism, Philosophical Poetry, Modernist Poetry
- Length: 124 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Pause by Madison Cawein
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Pause?
- How does this poem by Madison Cawein fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Lyric Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Tranquility At Length by Edna St Vincent Millay
- The Long Small Room by Edward Thomas
- The Tomb Of A Young Girl by Ranier Maria Rilke
- Autumn Thought by Langston Hughes
- The Hill Top by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Roads by Edward Thomas
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem's focus on personal emotions and reflections aligns it closely with the characteristics of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of introspection, nature, and emotional depth are indicative of Romantic literary elements.
- Symbolism — The use of vivid imagery and metaphors suggests a symbolic approach to expressing complex ideas.
- Philosophical Poetry — The exploration of thoughts and dreams reflects philosophical inquiries about existence and consciousness.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Meditation · Reflection · Philosophy · Existentialism · Spirituality · Self-Discovery · Inner Peace · Mindfulness · Contemplation · Solitude