Rosemary by Madison Cawein (1900)
The poem presents a vivid and idyllic scene, capturing the essence of beauty and innocence through the imagery of nature and a young woman. The setting is a garden filled with vibrant flowers, symbolizing life and joy, while the sky above is described in soft, romantic hues. The protagonist stands amidst this beauty, embodying the dreams and purity of youth, her presence evoking a sense of love and admiration. The backdrop of the scene includes a homestead, which represents stability and comfort, contrasting with the fleeting nature of youth and beauty. The speaker reflects on the mystery of whom the young woman awaits, suggesting a longing for connection while simultaneously cherishing the moment as a perfect memory. This tension between desire and the unattainable is central to the poem, as the speaker acknowledges that the idealized image of the woman may never have existed in reality. The poem concludes with a sense of nostalgia, emphasizing the importance of preserving this image as a source of inspiration and solace in the speaker's life. The young woman remains a symbol of untainted beauty, untouched by the hardships of life, serving as a reminder of the purity of love and the fleeting nature of youth. The overall tone is one of reverence and wistfulness, celebrating the beauty of the moment while recognizing its impermanence.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1900 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Poetry · 358 words
First lines
Above her, pearl and rose the heavens lay; Around her, flowers scattered earth with gold, Or down the path in insolence held sway -- Like cavaliers who ride the elves' highway -- Scarlet and blue, within a garden old.
Beyond the hills, faint-heard through belts of wood, Bells, Sabbath-sweet, swooned from some far-off town; Gamboge and gold, broad sunset colors strewed The purple west as if, with God imbued, Her mighty pallet Nature there laid down.
What this Textopian page supports
Rosemary is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1900 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: 1900 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Poetry, Imagery, Sentimental Poetry
- Length: 358 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, focusing on beauty and love, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of nature, beauty, and idealized love align with the principles of Romanticism.
- Nature Poetry — The vivid descriptions of the natural world and its beauty are central to the poem's imagery.
- Imagery — The poem employs rich visual imagery to evoke emotions and create a vivid scene.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Personification · Alliteration · Assonance · Consonance · Enjambment · Free Verse · Romanticism