Madison Julius Cawein's poem "Never" is a reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. The poem begins with the speaker musing on the fact that nothing in life is permanent, and that all things will eventually pass away. He reflects on the beauty of life, and how it is so often taken for granted. He then goes on to ponder the idea of death, and how it is the one thing that is certain in life. He muses on how death is the great equalizer, and how it will eventually come for us all. The poem ends with the speaker accepting the inevitability of death, and embracing the beauty of life while it lasts.
By Madison Julius Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Romance