Reasons by Madison Cawein (1902)

Name: Reasons
Author: Madison Cawein

The work explores the profound and multifaceted nature of love through a series of contemplative stanzas. The speaker articulates a deep admiration for the beloved, emphasizing the transformative power of beauty and the emotional resonance it evokes. In the first section, the speaker reflects on the allure of the beloved's physical beauty, suggesting that such beauty inspires a willingness to sacrifice everything, including life itself. This admiration is tied to a romantic ideal, where even a simple glance can ignite heroic deeds reminiscent of legendary tales. The second section shifts focus from physical beauty to the inner qualities of the beloved. The speaker delves into the emotional and spiritual connection, drawing parallels to ancient poetry and myth. This connection evokes a sense of timelessness, suggesting that the beloved embodies an eternal essence that transcends the ages, linking the present to a mythic past. In the final section, the speaker contemplates the deeper, perhaps spiritual, dimensions of love. By looking into the beloved's soul, the speaker perceives a connection to the cosmos and the mysteries of existence. This realization hints at a divine aspect of love, where dreams and ideals shape reality, suggesting that love is not only a personal experience but also a universal force that connects humanity to greater truths. Overall, the work encapsulates the journey from physical attraction to a profound spiritual connection, illustrating how love can encompass beauty, poetry, and the search for meaning in life.

By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical Poetry · 227 words

First lines

I. Yea, why I love thee let my heart repeat: I look upon thy face and then divine How men could die for beauty, such as thine, -- Deeming it sweet To lay my life and manhood at thy feet, And for a word, a glance, Do deeds of old romance.

II. Yea, why I love thee let my heart unfold: I look into thy heart and then I know The wondrous poetry of the long-ago, The Age of Gold, That speaks strange music, that is old, so old, Yet young, as when 't was born, With all the youth of morn.

What this Textopian page supports

Reasons 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, Philosophical Poetry, Nature Poetry, Narrative Poetry
Length: 227 words
Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Reasons 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 Reasons?
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

Genres

Lyric Poetry — The work expresses personal emotions and thoughts in a musical and rhythmic manner, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Romanticism — The themes of beauty, love, and idealism reflect the principles of Romanticism, focusing on emotion and individual experience.
Philosophical Poetry — The exploration of deeper meanings and existential themes indicates a philosophical approach to poetry.
Nature Poetry — The references to natural imagery and the connection between love and the natural world suggest elements of nature poetry.