Rain by Madison Cawein (1914)
The poem depicts a dramatic shift in weather, transitioning from a still atmosphere to a tempestuous storm. The initial calm is disrupted as the wind stirs the grain and dust fills the air. A powerful storm approaches, characterized by dark clouds and thunder, which creates a sense of foreboding. The imagery of the storm is vivid, with descriptions of lightning and heavy rain that envelop the landscape. As the storm subsides, the sun breaks through the clouds, casting an angry light over the drenched scenery. The once-dreary environment transforms into a vibrant display, with wet cedars appearing adorned with rubies in the sunset. The aftermath of the rain brings forth sweet scents from the gardens, evoking a sense of renewal and beauty. The poem concludes with a sense of calm as the moon rises, symbolizing tranquility after the chaos of the storm. The overall theme reflects the cyclical nature of weather and the interplay between chaos and beauty in nature.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1914 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Imagism · 239 words
First lines
Around, the stillness deepened; then the grain Went wild with wind; and every briery lane Was swept with dust; and then, tempestuous black, Hillward the tempest heaved a monster back, That on the thunder leaned as on a cane; And on huge shoulders bore a cloudy pack, That gullied gold from many a lightning-crack: One big drop splashed and wrinkled down the pane, And then field, hill, and wood were lost in rain.
What this Textopian page supports
Rain is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1914 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: 1914 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Imagism, Romanticism, Symbolism
- Length: 239 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Rain 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 Rain?
- 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
- Before The Rain by Madison Cawein
- Diurnal by Madison Cawein
- Tones by Madison Cawein
- The Golden Hour by Madison Cawein
- Dusk In The Woods by Madison Cawein
- Through The Green Forest by Edna St Vincent Millay
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and vivid imagery, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Nature Poetry — The work focuses on natural elements and their beauty, emphasizing the relationship between nature and human emotion.
- Imagism — The use of precise imagery and clear language aligns with the principles of Imagism.
- Romanticism — Themes of beauty, emotion, and nature reflect the ideals of Romantic literature.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Mood · Atmosphere · Emotion · Imagery · Symbolism · Metaphor · Personification · Simile · Alliteration · Assonance