To R. E. Lee Gibson
The work reflects on the struggles of the poet in expressing the essence of nature and human experience. It begins with a contemplation of the futility of artistic expression, acknowledging that some may dismiss the songs as aimless or irrelevant. The poet grapples with the perception that writing about distant places and experiences may not resonate with those who seek familiarity in their own surroundings. The text conveys a sense of disillusionment, suggesting that the poet feels like a "bankrupt heir" to a legacy of great poetry, burdened by the weight of expectations and the challenge of creating something meaningful in a contemporary context. The imagery of nature serves as a backdrop for these reflections, illustrating the cyclical and often sorrowful aspects of existence. Throughout the work, there is a tension between the desire to connect with universal themes and the recognition of the limitations imposed by time and circumstance. The poet's yearning to build something enduring from dreams is juxtaposed with the acknowledgment of the difficulty in achieving this goal. The overall tone is one of introspection, as the poet navigates the complexities of artistic ambition and the search for authenticity in a world that may not value such endeavors.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1901 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 213 words
First lines
_And one, perchance, will read and sigh: "What aimless songs! Why will he sing Of nature that drags out her woe Through wind and rain, and sun and snow, From miserable spring to spring? " Then put me by._
_And one, perhaps, will read and say: "Why write of things across the sea; Of men and women, far and near, When we of things at home would hear -- Well! who would call this poetry? " Then toss away._
_A hopeless task have we, meseems, At this late day; whom fate hath made Sad, bankrupt heirs of song; who, filled With kindred yearnings, try to build A tower like theirs, that will not fade, Out of our dreams._
What this Textopian page supports
To R. E. Lee Gibson is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1901 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: 1901 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric, Nature Writing, Philosophical
- Length: 213 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for To R. E. Lee Gibson by Madison Cawein
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering To R. E. Lee Gibson?
- How does this poem by Madison Cawein fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Five Fancies by Madison Cawein
- To S Mck by Madison Cawein
- Afterword by Madison Cawein
- A Song In Season by Madison Cawein
- White Marble And Green Grass by Joyce Kilmer
- Pictures by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Poetry — The work is a poem that explores themes of nature, existential reflection, and the struggles of artistic expression.
- Romanticism — The poem embodies characteristics of Romanticism, focusing on emotion, nature, and individual experience.
- Lyric — The personal and emotional tone of the poem aligns with the lyrical genre, emphasizing the poet's feelings and thoughts.
- Nature Writing — The poem reflects on nature and its impact on human emotions, a common theme in nature writing.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature Poetry · Symbolism · Imagery · Figurative Language · Metaphor · Simile · Personification · Alliteration · Assonance