Song of the Elf by Madison Cawein
The poem presents a vivid exploration of an enchanting, otherworldly realm inhabited by elves. It begins with imagery of nature, where poppies serve as guardians of the fields, and the speaker interacts with a bumblebee, emphasizing a harmonious relationship with the natural world. The setting is rich with sensory details, highlighting the beauty and tranquility of the environment. As the poem progresses, the speaker describes various idyllic locations, such as the glow-worm's light and the winding brook, creating a sense of whimsy and magic. The imagery evokes a serene atmosphere, where the speaker engages in playful activities, such as sailing down the brook and dancing to the sounds of nature. The presence of the owlet moon and crickets adds to the nocturnal charm of the scene. In the latter sections, the poem shifts to a more introspective tone, as the speaker finds solace in a cobweb hammock, surrounded by ferns and the musk-rose. This retreat into a hidden space symbolizes a desire for escape from the mundane world, embracing the dreamlike qualities of the elfin land. The poem concludes with a sense of timelessness and seclusion, where the speaker exists in a realm untouched by human eyes, encapsulating the essence of fantasy and the allure of the unknown. The overall theme revolves around the interplay between nature, magic, and the longing for a world beyond the ordinary.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Fantasy, Poetry, Nature · 333 words
First lines
I. When the poppies, with their shields, Sentinel Forest and the harvest fields, In the bell Of a blossom, fair to see, There I stall the bumble-bee, My good stud; There I stable him and hold, Harness him with hairy gold; There I ease his burly back Of the honey and its sack Gathered from each bud.
II. Where the glow-worm lights its lamp, There I lie; Where, above the grasses damp, Moths go by; Now within the fussy brook, Where the waters wind and crook Round the rocks, I go sailing down the gloom Straddling on a wisp of broom; Or, beneath the owlet moon, Trip it to the cricket's tune Tossing back my locks.
What this Textopian page supports
Song of the Elf is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1902 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: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Poetry, Nature, Romanticism, Children's Literature
- Length: 333 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Song of the Elf by Madison Cawein
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Song of the Elf?
- How does this poem by Madison Cawein fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Elfs Song by Madison Cawein
- Enchantment by Madison Cawein
- Midsummer by Madison Cawein
- Chorus Of Fairies by John Keats
- Gifts Of Shee by Joyce Kilmer
- The Nixes Song by Madison Cawein
Genres
- Fantasy — The poem explores themes of faeryland and elfin existence, characteristic of the fantasy genre.
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Nature — The imagery and themes heavily focus on natural elements and landscapes.
- Romanticism — The work reflects romantic ideals, emphasizing emotion, nature, and the supernatural.
Tags
Fantasy · Poetry · Mythology · Nature · Imagination · Magic · Whimsy · Romance · Adventure · Enchantment · Wonder · Dreamlike