The Nixes' Song by Madison Cawein
The poem presents a mystical underwater realm inhabited by enchanting beings known as Nixes. This city, hidden beneath dark waves, is characterized by its emerald caves and golden walls, creating an ethereal atmosphere. The imagery evokes a sense of beauty and allure, with descriptions of twinkling stars and the gentle play of wind on water. The Nixes engage in playful activities, such as combing their hair and dancing under the moonlight, emphasizing their connection to nature and the night. The poem invites the reader to join in their revelry, suggesting a sense of camaraderie and the allure of the unknown. The dance symbolizes a deeper connection to the mystical world, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur. As the poem progresses, it hints at a transformative experience, where joining the Nixes leads to a deeper understanding of this enchanting realm. The promise of sleeping in shadowy halls suggests a surrender to the magic of the Nixes' world, where one can find solace and beauty away from the mundane. The overall tone is both inviting and mysterious, drawing the reader into a dreamlike state that celebrates the wonders of nature and the supernatural.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1904 · Genre: Fantasy, Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry · 297 words
First lines
Vague, vague 'neath darkling waves, With emerald-curving caves For the arched skies, Red-walled with dark dull gold The Nixes' city old Deep-glimmering lies. And thro' the long green nights the spangling spars Twinkle like milky stars.
Where the wind-ripple plays On tufts of dipping sprays Sparkling we rock; With blooming fingers bare Comb down our golden hair In many a lock; While, poured o'er naked ease of cool, moist limbs, An amber glamour swims.
Or in the middle night When cold damp fire-flies light Pale flitting brands Down all the woodland aisles, With swift mysterious smiles Link we white hands, And where the moonlight haunts the drowsy lake Bask in its silver wake.
What this Textopian page supports
The Nixes' Song is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: Madison Cawein
- Date: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Romanticism, Symbolism
- Length: 297 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Nixes' Song by Madison Cawein
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Nixes' Song?
- How does this short story by Madison Cawein fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Enchantment by Madison Cawein
- Fairies by Madison Cawein
- The Thorn by Joyce Kilmer
- Ballad by David Park Barnitz
- Gifts Of Shee by Joyce Kilmer
- Song Of The Elf by Madison Cawein
Genres
- Fantasy — The poem features mythical elements such as Nixes, a type of water spirit, and a magical underwater city.
- Lyric Poetry — The work expresses personal emotions and imagery through musical language and rhythm.
- Nature Poetry — The poem vividly describes natural elements like water, moonlight, and flora, emphasizing the beauty of the natural world.
- Romanticism — The themes of beauty, nature, and the supernatural align with Romantic ideals.
Tags
Folklore · Mythology · Poetry · Symbolism · Nature · Imagination · Fantasy · Magic · Enchantment · Whimsy · Romance · Dreamlike