To s. Mck by Madison Cawein (1901)
The work reflects on the themes of memory, nostalgia, and the passage of time, invoking a sense of longing for the past. It begins by contemplating the beauty of nature and the pleasures of life, referencing classical imagery and experiences associated with wine and revelry. The speaker questions whether they will forget the richness of these moments, emphasizing the significance of shared experiences and the emotional weight they carry. As the poem progresses, it shifts to a more somber tone, addressing the potential loss of memories tied to hopes and fears. The imagery of ghostly legends and the thrill of adventure evokes a sense of mystery and danger, suggesting that forgetting these experiences would diminish their value. The mention of historical and literary figures adds depth, connecting personal memories to broader cultural narratives. Ultimately, the work serves as a meditation on the importance of remembrance, urging the reader to cherish the past and the emotions that accompany it. The refrain of "Shall we forget?" reinforces the central theme, highlighting the tension between the desire to hold onto memories and the inevitability of time's passage.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1901 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 313 words
First lines
I. Shall we forget how, in our day, The Sabine fields about us lay In amaranth and asphodel, And bubbling, cold Bandusian well, Fair Pyrrhas haunting every way? In dells of forest faun and fay, Moss-lounged within the fountain's spray, How drained we wines too rare to tell, Shall we forget?
The fine Falernian or the ray Of fiery Caecuban, while gay We heard Bacchantes shout and yell, Filled full of Bacchus, and so fell To dreaming of some Lydia; Shall we forget?
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To s. Mck 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, Classical, Elegy
- Length: 313 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on themes of memory and nostalgia.
- Romanticism — The themes of nature, emotion, and the idealization of the past align with Romantic literary characteristics.
- Lyric — The personal and emotional expression throughout the poem indicates a strong lyric quality.
- Classical — References to classical themes and figures, such as Bacchus and the Sabine fields, suggest a connection to classical literature.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature Poetry · Symbolism · Imagery · Figurative Language · Metaphor · Simile · Personification · Alliteration · Assonance