Serenade by Madison Cawein (1910)
The poem explores themes of love, nature, and the ephemeral beauty of both flowers and romantic relationships. It begins with vivid imagery of a moonlit garden, where the pink rose symbolizes the sweetness of a lover's kiss. The moon is likened to a large white rose, enhancing the romantic atmosphere. As the poem progresses, the speaker describes the jasmine vines entwined around a window, comparing the stars to jasmine blossoms, suggesting that the beauty of the night sky mirrors the beloved's grace. The imagery emphasizes the intimate connection between nature and love, highlighting the beloved's physical beauty and the comfort it brings. The mention of magnolia blooms around the door adds to the sensory experience, with their fragrance symbolizing the warmth and allure of the beloved. The poem acknowledges the transience of flowers, which will eventually fade, yet asserts that true love transcends this impermanence. The final lines convey a sense of eternal love, suggesting that while physical beauty may diminish, the essence of true love remains everlasting. Overall, the work intertwines natural imagery with expressions of deep affection, creating a lyrical meditation on the enduring power of love amidst the fleeting nature of life.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1910 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Poetry · 255 words
First lines
The pink rose drops its petals on The moonlit lawn, the moonlit lawn; The moon, like some wide rose of white, Drops down the summer night. No rose there is As sweet as this -- Thy mouth, that greets me with a kiss.
The lattice of thy casement twines With jasmine vines, with jasmine vines; The stars, like jasmine blossoms, lie About the glimmering sky. No jasmine tress Can so caress As thy white arms' soft loveliness.
About thy door magnolia blooms Make sweet the glooms, make sweet the glooms; A moon-magnolia is the dusk Closed in a dewy husk. However much, No bloom gives such Soft fragrance as thy bosom's touch.
What this Textopian page supports
Serenade is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1910 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: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Poetry, Love Poetry, Imagism
- Length: 255 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Mist In The Valley by Edna St Vincent Millay
- Will You Come by Edward Thomas
- Serenade by Edgar Allan Poe
- Song by Edgar Allan Poe
- Sonnet To Genevra by Lord Byron
- Daisys Song by John Keats
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of love, nature, and beauty align with Romantic ideals.
- Nature Poetry — The vivid imagery of flowers and the natural world is central to the poem.
- Love Poetry — The poem focuses on romantic love and intimate feelings.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Nature · Love · Music · Sorrow · Longing · Beauty · Imagery · Symbolism · Metaphor · Personification