The Whippoorwill by Madison Cawein
The poem explores themes of nature, nostalgia, and longing through the repeated motif of a bird's call. It begins by depicting a serene woodland scene at twilight, where the vibrant colors of the sunset contrast with the sounds of nature, particularly the haunting call of the whippoorwill. This call evokes a sense of melancholy and connection to the past, as the speaker reflects on the beauty and tranquility of rural life. As the poem progresses, the imagery shifts to the sounds of cows returning home, further emphasizing the pastoral setting. The persistent cry of the whippoorwill serves as a reminder of the simplicity and peace found in nature, contrasting with the complexities of urban life. The speaker's memories of the wildwood evoke a deep yearning for the natural world, highlighting a sense of loss and longing for a time and place that feels distant. In the final section, the speaker's thoughts drift to the city, where the artificiality of urban life dulls the beauty of the moonlight. Despite this, the memory of the wildwood and the whippoorwill's call remains vivid, symbolizing an enduring connection to nature. The poem encapsulates the tension between the allure of the natural world and the constraints of modern existence, ultimately conveying a profound sense of yearning for the simplicity and beauty of the past.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Nature, Romanticism · 319 words
First lines
I. Above lone woodland ways that led To dells the stealthy twilights tread The west was hot geranium red; And still, and still, Along old lanes the locusts sow With clustered pearls the Maytimes know, Deep in the crimson afterglow, We heard the homeward cattle low, And then the far-off, far-off woe Of "whippoorwill! " of "whippoorwill!"
II. Beneath the idle beechen boughs We heard the far bells of the cows Come slowly jangling towards the house; And still, and still, Beyond the light that would not die Out of the scarlet-haunted sky; Beyond the evening-star's white eye Of glittering chalcedony, Drained out of dusk the plaintive cry Of "whippoorwill," of "whippoorwill."
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The Whippoorwill 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, Nature, Romanticism, Lyric, Symbolism
- Length: 319 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Nature — The themes revolve around natural imagery and the beauty of the woodland setting.
- Romanticism — The poem expresses deep emotional responses to nature and nostalgia, typical of Romantic literature.
- Lyric — The poem conveys personal feelings and reflections, aligning with the lyrical genre.
Tags
Nature Poetry · American Literature · Poetic Form · Free Verse · Symbolism · Imagery · Sensory Details · Whimsy · Mystery · Romanticism · Nostalgia · Seasonal Themes