The Spell by Madison Cawein (1900)
The poem explores themes of love, longing, and the desire for connection through the lens of magical realism. The speaker expresses a deep affection for a beloved, emphasizing the power of love to transcend physical barriers. The speaker seeks to become invisible, using fern seed as a means to be close to the beloved without being seen. This desire for closeness is portrayed through vivid imagery of nature, such as poppy pods and thistles, which symbolize the delicate and ephemeral nature of love. The speaker's yearning is palpable as they describe the intimate moments they wish to share, from whispering sweet nothings to witnessing the beloved's reactions. The act of following the beloved, even in a spectral form, highlights the intensity of their feelings. The speaker reflects on the mundane activities of the beloved, suggesting a desire to be part of their everyday life, even in unseen ways. Ultimately, the poem reveals that true love does not require magical means to connect; the speaker acknowledges that their soul inherently follows the beloved. The closing lines affirm that love's essence is rooted in the heart, making the pursuit of the beloved a natural and inevitable part of their existence. The interplay of longing, magic, and the reality of love creates a rich tapestry that captures the complexities of human emotion.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1900 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Fantasy · 628 words
First lines
_"We have the receipt of fern seed: we walk invisible. "_ -- HENRY IV
And we have met but twice or thrice! -- Three times enough to make me love! -- I praised your hair once; then your glove; Your eyes; your gown; -- you were like ice; And yet this might suffice, my love, And yet this might suffice.
What this Textopian page supports
The Spell is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1900 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: 1900 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Fantasy, Lyric, Nature
- Length: 628 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Fairies Of The Frost by Irving Sidney Dix
- Song Of The Elf by Madison Cawein
- The Wind Witch by Madison Cawein
- Romaunt Of The Oak by Madison Cawein
- Poppy And Mandragora by Madison Cawein
- A Princess Of Thule by Madison Cawein
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around love and longing, typical of the romance genre.
- Fantasy — The mention of faeries and magical elements like fern seed indicates a fantasy aspect.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, aligning with the lyrical genre.
Tags
Fantasy · Magic · Adventure · Romance · Mystery · Supernatural · Fiction · Literary Fiction · Classic Literature · Poetic Prose · Symbolism · Allegory