Dawn

By Madison Julius Cawein

Lyric Poem
             I.     Mist on the mountain height      Silvery creeping;     Incarnate beads of light      Bloom-cradled sleeping,     Dripped from the brow of Night.              II.     Shadows, and winds that rise      Over the mountain;     Stars in the spar that lies      Cold in the fountain,     Pale as the quickened skies.              III.     Sheep in the wattled folds      Dreamily bleating,     Dim on the thistled wolds,      Where, glad with meeting,     Morn the thin Night enfolds.              IV.     Sleep on the moaning sea      Hushing his trouble;     Rest on the cares that be      Hued in Life's bubble,     Calm on the woes of me....              V.     Mist from the mountain height      Hurriedly fleeting;     Star in the locks of Night      Throbbing and beating,     Thrilled with the coming light.              VI.     Flocks on the musky strips;      Pearl in the fountain;     Winds from the forest's lips;      Red on the mountain;     Dawn from the Orient trips.

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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 lyrical meditation on nature and the passing of time, marked by a profound sensitivity to the beauty and transience of the natural world. It's divided into six stanzas, each composed of five lines, a structure that gives the poem a sense of rhythm and order. The poet uses evocative and detailed imagery, such as "Mist on the mountain height" and "Star in the locks of Night", to create a vivid and immersive picture of the landscape.

The poem is imbued with a sense of calmness and tranquility, which is accentuated by the use of soft and soothing words like "silvery", "dreamily" and "hushing". However, there is also an undercurrent of melancholy and longing, suggested by phrases like "woes of me" and "hurriedly fleeting". The recurring motif of dawn and dusk, light and dark, suggests cyclical changes and the inexorable passage of time. The poet employs personification, for instance, attributing the "brow of Night" and the "moaning sea", which adds a touch of mysticism and enlivens the natural elements.

The poem beautifully juxtaposes elements of nature with human emotions and life's trials, symbolized through "the cares that be hued in Life's bubble". The final stanza brings a sense of closure and renewal, with the dawn ushering in a new day, symbolizing hope and resilience. Overall, the poem is a testament to the poet's keen observation of nature and his ability to draw poignant parallels between the natural world and human existence.

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.