To -- - by Madison Cawein (1902)

Name: To -- -
Author: Madison Cawein

The work explores themes of love, desire, and the enchanting qualities of a beloved figure, referred to as Lily. The speaker expresses an inability to articulate the profound effect she has on him, suggesting that her allure transcends rational understanding. Each stanza delves into different aspects of this enchantment, highlighting the emotional turmoil and ecstatic joy that accompany his feelings. In the first section, the speaker grapples with the mysterious qualities in Lily's eyes that captivate him, rendering him speechless and vulnerable. He acknowledges that his senses are overwhelmed, and he feels a sense of helplessness in the face of her beauty. The repetition of "I cannot tell" emphasizes his confusion and the ineffable nature of his attraction. The second section shifts focus to the physical and emotional sensations that arise from his infatuation. The speaker describes the "magic" that ignites his passion, illustrating how her name lingers in his thoughts and how the experience of loving her is both pleasurable and painful. The imagery of "slow sunny rain" conveys a sense of warmth and comfort, juxtaposed with the intensity of his feelings. In the third section, the speaker reflects on the captivating power of Lily's hair and presence. He feels ensnared by her charm, indicating a deep emotional investment that leaves him paralyzed with admiration. The metaphor of love as a fire suggests both warmth and potential destruction, underscoring the transformative impact she has on his life. Overall, the work encapsulates the complexities of romantic obsession, portraying love as a force that is both enchanting and overwhelming, leaving the speaker in a state of rapture and confusion. The repeated references to Lily serve to reinforce her centrality in the speaker's emotional landscape, making her an embodiment of beauty and desire.

By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Love Poetry · 313 words

First lines

_"Lydia, dic, per omnes Te deos oro! "_

I. What are the subtleties Which woo me in her eyes To oaths she deems but lies, I can not tell, I can not tell, Nor will she. They are beyond my thought. For when I gaze I'm nought, My senses all unwrought, It is not well, it is not well, Now Lily!

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To -- - is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1902 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Madison Cawein
Date: 1902 CE
Language: English
Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Love Poetry, Symbolism, Imagism
Length: 313 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Lyric Poetry — The work is structured as a series of lyrical verses expressing deep emotional sentiments and personal reflections on love.
Romanticism — The themes of love, beauty, and emotional intensity align with the characteristics of Romantic literature.
Love Poetry — The poem explicitly explores the speaker's feelings of love and desire for the subject, Lily.
Symbolism — The use of imagery and metaphor to convey deeper meanings about love and attraction indicates a symbolic approach.