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