The Closed Door by Madison Cawein
The poem explores themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. It begins with a call to shut out grief and embrace the brevity of life, suggesting that one should be thankful for the conclusion of life's narrative. The speaker reflects on the transient nature of physical beauty and human connections, acknowledging that both joy and sorrow are fleeting. As the poem progresses, the speaker confronts the reality of a loved one who has passed away, questioning the permanence of their beauty and the memories associated with them. The imagery evokes a sense of nostalgia and melancholy, as the speaker grapples with the changes wrought by time. The once cherished features of the beloved are now diminished, leading to a contemplation of mortality and the inevitability of decay. Ultimately, the work emphasizes the impermanence of life and the futility of clinging to the past. It suggests that all that is beautiful and cherished will eventually fade, reinforcing the idea that acceptance of this truth is essential for moving forward. The poem concludes with a poignant acknowledgment that all earthly things must come to an end, encapsulating the bittersweet nature of love and remembrance.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism · 320 words
First lines
Shut it out of the heart -- this grief, O Love, with the years grown old and hoary! And let in joy that life is brief, And give God thanks for the end of the story. The bond of the flesh is transitory, And beauty goes with the lapse of years -- The brow's white rose and the hair's dark glory -- God be thanked for the severing shears!
Over the past, Heart, waste no tears! Over the past, and all its madness, Its wine and wormwood, hopes and fears, That never were worth a moment's sadness. Here she lies who was part o' its gladness, Wife and mistress, and shared its woe, The good of life as well as its badness, -- Look on her face and see if you know.
What this Textopian page supports
The Closed Door 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: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism, Elegy, Philosophical
- Length: 320 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on themes of love, loss, and the passage of time.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of beauty, transience, and emotional depth align with Romantic literary ideals.
- Elegy — The poem mourns the loss of a loved one, fitting the characteristics of an elegy.
Tags
Poetry · Symbolism · Mystery · Psychological Insight · Inner Turmoil · Emotional Depth · Literary Fiction · Philosophical Themes · Existential Crisis · Self-Discovery · Isolation · Loneliness