To Revery by Madison Cawein (1907)
The poem explores themes of beauty, longing, and the transcendence of art and nature. It begins with vivid imagery of opulent architecture and mythical landscapes, evoking a sense of wonder and reverie. The speaker reflects on grand structures made of precious materials, suggesting a world of idealized beauty and artistic achievement. As the poem progresses, it delves into the sensory experiences associated with this imagined realm, where music, sculpture, and nature intertwine. The descriptions of twilight, flowers, and celestial beings create an atmosphere of ethereal beauty, emphasizing the connection between the physical and the divine. The speaker expresses a desire for an intoxicating experience, seeking a metaphorical drink that embodies the essence of this beauty and the ecstasy of existence. This longing is tied to a yearning for the past, where gods and heroes interacted, and where art flourished in harmony with nature. The poem culminates in a meditation on the power of imagination and the creative spirit, suggesting that true beauty lies in the ability to dream and to be inspired by the world around us. The interplay of light, color, and form serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of beauty and the importance of cherishing these moments of artistic and emotional resonance.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1907 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Imagism, Romanticism · 683 words
First lines
What ogive gates from gold of Ophir wrought, What walls of bastioned Parian, lucid rose, What marts of crystal, for the eyes of Thought Hast builded on what Islands of Repose! Vague onyx columns ranked Corinthian, Or piled Ionic, colonnading heights That loom above long burst of mythic seas: Vast gynaeceums of carnelian; Micaceous temples, far marmorean flights, Where winds the arabesque and plastique frieze.
What this Textopian page supports
To Revery is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1907 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: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Imagism, Romanticism, Symbolism, Classical Poetry
- Length: 683 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work exhibits a strong emphasis on personal emotion and aesthetic beauty, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Imagism — The vivid imagery and focus on visual details align with the principles of Imagism, emphasizing precise language and clear images.
- Romanticism — Themes of nature, beauty, and emotional depth reflect the ideals of Romanticism.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols and metaphors to convey deeper meanings is prevalent throughout the text.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Imagination · Dreams · Fantasy · Symbolism · Metaphor · Personification · Romanticism · Emotional · Introspective · Philosophical