A Song In Season

By Madison Julius Cawein

Lyric Poem
I. When in the wind the vane turns round,      And round, and round; And in his kennel whines the hound; When all the gable eaves are bound With icicles of ragged gray,      A glinting gray; There is little to do, and much to say, And you hug your fire and pass the day With a thought of the springtime, dearie. II. When late at night the owlet hoots,      And hoots, and hoots; And wild winds make of keyholes flutes; When to the door the goodman's boots Stamp through the snow the light stains red,      The fire-light's red; There is nothing to do, and all is said, And you quaff your cider and go to bed With a dream of the summer, dearie. III. When, nearing dawn, the black cock crows,      And crows, and crows; And from the barn the milch-cow lows; And the milkmaid's cheeks have each a rose, And the still skies show a star or two,      Or one or two; There is little to say, and much to do, And the heartier done the happier you, With a song of the winter, dearie.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a beautifully detailed portrayal of life's seasons and the human response to them. The three stanzas each depict a different time of day and stage of life, mirroring the cyclical nature of existence. The themes of monotony, change, and the passage of time are all skillfully woven into this narrative. The repetition of phrases such as "and round, and round," "and hoots, and hoots," and "and crows, and crows," enhances the sense of routine and the relentless passage of time.

The poem’s tone is reflective and contemplative, capturing the quiet solitude of rural life. The poet uses vivid imagery and precise details to create an evocative picture of the landscape and atmosphere. The structure of the poem, with its repeating ending lines, creates a comforting rhythm, mirroring the cyclical nature of the seasons and life itself. The use of the term "dearie" adds a personal, intimate touch to the poem, suggesting it may be a conversation or a lyrical musing shared with a loved one. Literary devices like alliteration, assonance, and personification are subtly used throughout the poem to enhance its musicality and vividness. The poem leaves the reader with a lingering sense of peace and acceptance of life's ebb and flow.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.