Since Then by Madison Cawein (1907)
The poem explores themes of nature, memory, and loss. The speaker finds solace in a tranquil woodland setting, observing the peaceful activities of animals and the gentle sounds of nature. This serene environment contrasts with the underlying sorrow of the speaker, who reflects on a past relationship marked by love and companionship. As the speaker engages with the natural world, they are reminded of a loved one who has passed away. The imagery of the trees, bees, and various creatures evokes a sense of life continuing, yet the presence of the deceased looms large in the speaker's mind. The moonlight and the blossoming bough serve as poignant symbols of both beauty and mourning, suggesting that while nature thrives, the speaker's heart remains heavy with grief. The poem captures the duality of existence—life and death, joy and sorrow—through vivid descriptions of the natural landscape intertwined with personal memories. The haunting quality of the woods reflects the speaker's emotional state, illustrating how the past continues to influence the present. Ultimately, the work conveys a deep sense of longing and the enduring impact of love, even in the face of loss.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1907 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Romantic Poetry · 237 words
First lines
I found myself among the trees What time the reapers ceased to reap; And in the sunflower-blooms the bees Huddled brown heads and went to sleep, Rocked by the balsam-breathing breeze.
I saw the red fox leave his lair, A shaggy shadow, on the knoll; And tunneling his thoroughfare Beneath the soil, I watched the mole -- Stealth's own self could not take more care.
I heard the death-moth tick and stir, Slow-honeycombing through the bark; I heard the cricket's drowsy chirr, And one lone beetle burr the dark -- The sleeping woodland seemed to purr.
What this Textopian page supports
Since Then is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1907 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: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Romantic Poetry, Elegy, Symbolism
- Length: 237 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Response by Madison Cawein
- Aftermath by Emily Dickinson
- Remembrance by W. B. Yeats
- Passer Mortuus Est by Edna St Vincent Millay
- Sepulchre by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- To Morrow by Madison Cawein
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work exhibits strong emotional expression and personal reflection, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Nature Poetry — The vivid imagery of the natural world and its elements is central to the poem's themes.
- Romantic Poetry — Themes of love, loss, and the beauty of nature align with the Romantic poetry movement.
- Elegy — The poem reflects on loss and memory, suggesting an elegiac quality.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature · Philosophy · Existentialism · Mortality · Loss · Grief · Memory · Time · Space