Semper Idem by Madison Cawein (1901)
The poem explores themes of love, desire, and despair. It begins with a call to rise above sorrow, urging the subject to confront their emotional turmoil. The speaker reflects on the nature of their relationship, revealing that what was perceived as love was, in fact, a mere physical attraction. This realization leads to a sense of betrayal and disillusionment. The speaker acknowledges the beauty of the subject but contrasts it with the degradation of their connection, suggesting that lust has tainted what could have been genuine affection. The emotional intensity escalates as the speaker expresses a longing for a final kiss, indicating a bittersweet farewell. The closing lines emphasize the paradox of existence, where the pain of life overshadows the promise of death, suggesting that the end may bring relief from suffering. Overall, the work delves into the complexities of human relationships, the distinction between love and lust, and the profound impact of emotional disillusionment. The tone is somber and reflective, capturing the essence of heartbreak and the struggle to reconcile desire with reality.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1901 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Tragedy · 216 words
First lines
1. Hold up thy head and crush Thy heart's despair; From thy wan temples brush The tear-wet hair.
2. Look on me thus as I Gaze upon thee; Nor question how nor why Such things can be.
3. Thou thought'st it love! -- poor fool! That which was lust! Which made thee, beautiful, Vile as the dust!
4. Thy flesh I craved, thy face! -- Love shrinks at this -- Now on thy lips to place One farewell kiss! --
What this Textopian page supports
Semper Idem is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1901 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: 1901 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Tragedy, Lyric, Dark Romanticism
- Length: 216 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on emotional expression and aesthetic form.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, despair, and the conflict between desire and morality align with Romantic ideals.
- Tragedy — The exploration of despair, loss, and the darker aspects of love suggests a tragic narrative.
- Lyric — The personal and emotional nature of the text indicates a focus on the speaker's feelings and thoughts.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Symbolism · Nature Imagery · Mortality · Existentialism · Philosophy · Psychological Insight · Imagery · Figurative Language · Metaphor · Simile