The Iron Crags by Madison Cawein
The work explores themes of war, suffering, and the quest for divine presence amidst chaos. It begins with a speaker reflecting on the horrors of battle, personified by the "terrible daughters" of War, who evoke a sense of despair and questioning of God's existence. The speaker grapples with doubt and seeks solace, urging the heart to remain brave and to keep hope alive for a figure representing peace. As the battle rages, the imagery of angels and death creates a stark contrast between destruction and the yearning for divine protection. The speaker's internal conflict is evident as they call for God’s watchfulness and the need to maintain a sanctuary for peace amidst turmoil. The narrative shifts as the chaos subsides, and a voice beckons from the darkness, signaling the end of the storm. This moment signifies a transition from despair to hope, as the speaker is invited to witness the return of peace, symbolized by a figure adorned with divine splendor. The work concludes with a sense of renewal and the promise of tranquility, emphasizing the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, War Literature · 374 words
First lines
Upon the iron crags of War I heard his terrible daughters In battle speak while at their feet, In gulfs of human waters, A voice, intoning, "Where is God? " in ceaseless sorrow beat: And to my heart, in doubt, I said, "God? -- God's above the storm! O heart, be brave, be comforted, And keep your hearth-stone warm For her who breasts the storm -- God's Peace, the fair of form. " I heard the Battle Angels cry above the slain's red mountains, While from their wings the lightnings hurled Of Death's destroying fountains, And thunder of their revels rolled around the ruined world: Still to my heart, in fear, I cried, "God? -- God is watching there! My heart, -- oh, keep the doorway wide Here in your House of Care, For her who wanders there, God's Peace, with happy hair."
What this Textopian page supports
The Iron Crags 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, Religious, War Literature, Philosophical, Romanticism
- Length: 374 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Religious — Themes of God, faith, and divine presence are central to the text.
- War Literature — The poem addresses the impact of battle and conflict on humanity.
- Philosophical — It explores existential questions about God and human suffering.
Tags
Fiction · Adventure · Fantasy · Romance · Mystery · Thriller · Historical Fiction · Epic · Quest · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Good vs Evil