Swinging by Madison Cawein (1904)
The poem captures a moment of nostalgia and innocence through the imagery of a young girl swinging in a rope swing during spring. The girl embodies joy and vitality, her physical attributes reflecting the beauty of nature—her cheeks are likened to apple buds, her eyes to stars, and her laughter to a babbling brook. The speaker observes her from a distance, leaning on a fence, filled with a sense of longing and reflection on his own lost youth. As the girl swings, the speaker is reminded of the pure ecstasy and freedom of childhood, contrasting it with the weight of adult experiences. The poem evokes themes of innocence, the passage of time, and the desire to recapture the simplicity and joy of youth. The imagery of spring symbolizes renewal and the fleeting nature of happiness, while the act of swinging serves as a metaphor for the carefree spirit of childhood. The speaker's yearning to return to that state of being highlights the universal human desire to reconnect with one's past and the innocence that comes with it.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1904 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Poetry · 214 words
First lines
Under the boughs of spring She swung in the old rope-swing.
Her cheeks, with their happy blood, Were pink as the apple-bud.
Her eyes, with their deep delight, Were glad as the stars of night.
Her curls, with their romp and fun, Were hoiden as wind and sun.
What this Textopian page supports
Swinging is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1904 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: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Poetry, Childhood Poetry, Nostalgic Poetry
- Length: 214 words
- Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Swinging by Madison Cawein
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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- How does this poem by Madison Cawein fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts through musical language and vivid imagery.
- Romanticism — The themes of nature, innocence, and nostalgia align with Romantic ideals.
- Nature Poetry — The poem heavily features natural imagery and the beauty of spring.
- Childhood Poetry — The focus on childhood innocence and playfulness is central to the poem's theme.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Love · Relationships · Emotions · Passion · Intimacy · Sensuality · Desire · Longing · Yearning · Heartbreak