Child And Father

By Madison Julius Cawein

Sonnet
    A Little child, one night, awoke and cried,     "Oh, help me, father! there is something wild     Before me! help me!" Hurrying to his side     I answered, "I am here. You dreamed, my child."     "A dream?" he questioned."Oh, I could not see!     It was so dark! Take me into your bed!"     And I, who loved him, held him soothingly,     And smiling on his terror, comforted.     He nestled in my arms. I held him fast;     And spoke to him and calmed his childish fears,     Until he smiled again, asleep at last,     Upon his lashes still a trace of tears....     How like a child the world! who, in this night     Of strife, beholds strange monsters threatening;     And with black fear, having so little light,     Cries to its Father, God, for comforting.     And well for it, if, answering the call,     The Father hear and soothe its dread asleep!     How many though, whom thoughts and dreams appall,     Must lie awake and in the darkness weep.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This narrative poem presents a dual-layered exploration of fear and the need for comfort during times of distress. The poet uses a straightforward structure and rhyme scheme, employing simple yet poignant language to effectively convey the themes.

The first part of the poem depicts a literal event of a child waking from a nightmare, seeking solace from his father. This situation is universally relatable, evoking an immediate sense of empathy for the frightened child and the father's tenderness. The poet's use of dialogue and action imbues the poem with a sense of immediacy and intimacy.

In the second part, the poem transitions into a metaphorical reflection on the world, comparing humanity to a frightened child crying out in the darkness. This shift elevates the poem from a simple anecdote to a broader commentary on human existence. The poet presents a world in which individuals, overwhelmed by their fears and uncertainties, yearn for divine comfort and guidance.

The tone throughout is compassionate and slightly melancholic, illustrating the poet's understanding of humanity's struggles and the universal desire for reassurance and relief from fear. The poet's use of visual imagery, particularly the darkness representing fear and uncertainty, enhances the emotional impact of the poem. This piece leaves the reader contemplating the human condition and our yearning for comfort amidst life's challenges.

Understanding the Sonnet

The sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry, known for its strict structure and profound themes. With a history spanning centuries, sonnets have been used to explore love, beauty, politics, and mortality, all within the confines of just 14 lines.

Sonnets are characterized by their precise form and rhyme scheme, which vary depending on the type of sonnet. Here’s a closer look:

  • Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Composed of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This form often builds a complex argument or narrative, culminating in a powerful closing statement.
  • Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), with a typical rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns in the sestet such as CDECDE or CDCDCD. The octave usually presents a problem, with the sestet providing a resolution.
  • Meter: Sonnets are traditionally written in iambic pentameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances its emotional impact.

The sonnet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a small but potent package, making it a favorite form for poets seeking to explore profound themes with precision and elegance.