Clearing

By Madison Julius Cawein

Before the wind, with rain-drowned stocks, The pleated crimson hollyhocks         Are bending; And, smouldering in the breaking brown, Above the hills that edge the town,         The day is ending. The air is heavy with the damp; And, one by one, each cottage lamp         Is lighted; Infrequent passers of the street Stroll on or stop to talk or greet,         Benighted. I look beyond my city yard, And watch the white moon struggling hard,         Cloud-buried; The wind is driving toward the east, A wreck of pearl, all cracked and creased         And serried. At times the moon, erupting, streaks Some long cloud; like Andean peaks         That double Horizon-vast volcano chains, The earthquake scars with lava veins         That bubble. The wind that blows from out the hills Is like a woman's touch that stills         A sorrow: The moon sits high with many a star In the deep calm: and fair and far         Abides to-morrow.

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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 vivid, sensory exploration of the natural world and its relation to human life. It employs rich, detailed imagery and metaphor to depict a changing landscape and the quiet domesticity of the town nestled within it. The tone is both contemplative and melancholic, emphasizing transience, the passage of time, and the quiet, enduring beauty of the world.

The poem is structured in five distinct stanzas, each presenting a different aspect of the scene and building on the others to create a comprehensive picture. The poet uses the hollyhocks, the setting sun, the flickering cottage lamps, and the moon trapped behind clouds as metaphors for the end of the day, the cycle of life, and the inevitability of change. The poem's rhythm and rhyme scheme provide a soothing, lullaby-like quality that enhances the overall mood and complements the theme of the passing day.

The final stanza introduces a human touch, comparing the wind to a woman's comforting hand and suggesting that despite the uncertainties and turmoil, there is hope, calm, and continuity in the promise of tomorrow. This shift from the natural to the human world underscores the interconnectedness of all life and the enduring power of nature. The poet's use of vivid, evocative language and potent metaphors make this poem a compelling meditation on the enduring beauty of the natural world and our place within it.

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.