Author: Madison Julius Cawein

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    Here, from the heights, among the rocks and pines,
    The sea and shore seem some tremendous page
    Of some vast book, great with our heritage,
    Breathing the splendor of majestic lines.
    Yonder the dunes speak silver; yonder shines
    The ocean's sapphire word; there, gray with age,
    The granite writes its lesson, strong and sage;
    And there the surf its rhythmic passage signs.
    The winds, that sweep the page, that interlude
    Its majesty with music; and the tides,
    That roll their thunder in, that period
    Its mighty rhetoric, deep and dream-imbued,
    Are what it seems to say, of what abides,
    Of what's eternal and of what is God.

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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem presents a striking exploration of the natural world as an embodiment of history, wisdom, and divine essence. It delves into themes of heritage, time, eternity, and spirituality. The poet uses the metaphor of a "vast book" to describe the sea and shore, implying that nature carries tales of our past and lessons for our future, aligning with the Romantic notion of finding wisdom in the natural world.

The poem's tone is contemplative and reverent. Through the use of vivid imagery and color symbolism, such as "silver" dunes and "sapphire" ocean, the poet creates a sense of awe and reverence towards nature's beauty and timelessness. The granite, gray with age, signifies strength and wisdom, while the rhythmic surf underscores the cyclical nature of existence.

The structure of the poem is quite traditional, adhering to a structured rhyme scheme and meter. This very structure mirrors the rhythmic "passage" mentioned in the poem, adding a layer of cohesion to the content and form. The use of personification, attributing human characteristics to the winds and tides, enhances the sense of nature’s dynamism and grandeur. The concluding lines elevate the poem to a theological level, introducing the concept of God. This suggests that the natural world is not only a repository of our heritage but also a manifestation of the divine. Thus, the poem offers a profound reflection on nature as a conduit for understanding our past, our place in the cosmos, and our spiritual essence.