Riches by Madison Cawein (1903)
The poem explores the contrast between material wealth and spiritual richness. It begins by marveling at the beauty of the morning sky, likening it to vast, golden mines. The imagery evokes a sense of wonder at nature's splendor, suggesting that true wealth lies not in earthly riches but in the divine and eternal. The speaker critiques the pursuit of material wealth, describing it as a source of folly and enslavement. The gold that people covet is depicted as ultimately worthless, turning to dust and failing to provide lasting fulfillment. Instead, the speaker yearns for a wealth that transcends physical possessions—spiritual riches that are impervious to theft and decay. The poem emphasizes the futility of seeking material gain, advocating for a deeper appreciation of the intangible treasures that life offers. It calls for a recognition of the beauty and richness found in nature and spirituality, contrasting these with the transient nature of gold and material wealth. The speaker ultimately prioritizes the enduring and untainted wealth of the divine over the fleeting allure of earthly riches.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1903 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Nature · 124 words
First lines
What mines the morning heavens unfold! What far Alaskas of the skies! That, veined with elemental gold, Sierra on Sierra rise.
Heap up the gold of all the world, The ore that makes men fools and slaves; What is it to the gold, cloud-curled, That rivers through the sunset's caves!
Search Earth for riches all who will, The gold that soils, that turns to dust -- Be mine the wealth no thief can steal, The gold of God that can not rust.
What this Textopian page supports
Riches is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1903 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: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Nature, Spiritual, Romanticism
- Length: 124 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Philosophical — The themes explore the nature of wealth and its spiritual implications.
- Nature — Imagery of the natural world is prominent, reflecting on beauty and transcendence.
- Spiritual — The poem contrasts material wealth with spiritual richness.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Symbolism · Nature · Philosophy · Existentialism · Mortality · Fate · Free Verse · Imagery · Metaphor