The Idyll of the Standing Stone
The poem depicts a pastoral scene where nature and human labor intertwine. It opens with a vivid description of a hillside adorned with wildflowers, particularly highlighting the beauty of the marigold. The setting is during harvest time, where a mower is engaged in his work among the wheat fields. He momentarily pauses to sharpen his scythe, reflecting a moment of contemplation amidst the labor. A woman observes the mower from a distance, standing among bee-gums, symbolizing a connection to nature and simplicity. Her feelings are ambiguous; she experiences a mix of sighs and smiles, indicating an emotional response to the mower's presence, though she is unaware of the reasons behind her feelings. The mower, too, notices her, finding beauty in her presence as she stands among the hives. The imagery of the peacock-purple lizard and the drone of insects enhances the sense of a tranquil, yet solitary summer landscape. The mower's singing as he works suggests a harmony between labor and joy, emphasizing a theme of finding beauty in everyday tasks. The poem captures the essence of rural life, the interplay of nature, and the subtle emotions that arise from human connections in a serene environment.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Romantic Poetry · 376 words
First lines
The teasel and the horsemint spread The hillside as with sunset, sown With blossoms, o'er the Standing-Stone That ripples in its rocky bed: There are no treasuries that hold Gold richer than the marigold That crowns its sparkling head.
'Tis harvest time: a mower stands Among the morning wheat and whets His scythe, and for a space forgets The labor of the ripening lands; Then bends, and through the dewy grain His long scythe hisses, and again He swings it in his hands.
What this Textopian page supports
The Idyll of the Standing Stone 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: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Romantic Poetry, Pastoral Poetry, Imagist Poetry
- Length: 376 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Similar titles
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- The Sermon Of The Rose by James Whitcomb Riley
- Transmutation by Madison Cawein
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- Transfiguration by Joyce Kilmer
- In The Firelight by W. B. Yeats
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work is characterized by its expressive language and emotional depth, typical of lyric poetry.
- Nature Poetry — The vivid imagery of the natural landscape and the focus on flora and fauna highlight the genre of nature poetry.
- Romantic Poetry — Themes of love, beauty, and the connection between humans and nature align with the characteristics of Romantic poetry.
- Pastoral Poetry — The depiction of rural life and the idealization of the countryside reflect the conventions of pastoral poetry.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Symbolism · Mythology · Folklore · Romance · Fantasy · Mystery · Spirituality · Philosophy · Existentialism · Psychological Insight