Field And Forest Call

By Madison Julius Cawein

I     There is a field, that leans upon two hills,     Foamed o'er of flowers and twinkling with clear rills;     That in its girdle of wild acres bears     The anodyne of rest that cures all cares;     Wherein soft wind and sun and sound are blent     With fragrance - as in some old instrument     Sweet chords; - calm things, that Nature's magic spell     Distills from Heaven's azure crucible,     And pours on Earth to make the sick mind well.     There lies the path, they say -     Come away! come away! II     There is a forest, lying 'twixt two streams,     Sung through of birds and haunted of dim dreams;     That in its league-long hand of trunk and leaf     Lifts a green wand that charms away all grief;     Wrought of quaint silence and the stealth of things,     Vague, whispering' touches, gleams and twitterings,     Dews and cool shadows - that the mystic soul     Of Nature permeates with suave control,     And waves o'er Earth to make the sad heart whole.     There lies the road, they say -     Come away! come away!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:
The poem under analysis presents an invitation to commune with nature, using lyrical and evocative imagery to shape the reader’s perception of the natural world as a place of healing and tranquility. The poem is split into two stanzas, each representing different aspects of nature: a serene field and a mystical forest.

The language used is rich in sensory detail, with elements like "flowers," "clear rills," "soft wind," and "fragrance" painting a vivid picture of an idyllic natural setting. It then personifies nature as a 'healer', using phrases like "anodyne of rest that cures all cares" or "green wand that charms away all grief". The repeated refrain, "Come away! come away!" is a call to action, further emphasizing the poem's core theme of finding solace in nature.

The tone of the poem is soothing and serene, reflecting the tranquility of the natural world it describes. The poet employs a range of literary devices, including simile ("as in some old instrument"), personification ("Nature's magic spell," "Nature permeates with suave control"), and alliteration ("stealth of things," "vague, whispering' touches, gleams and twitterings"), which all work together to create a rhythmic, flowing piece that exudes a sense of calmness.

In essence, this poem is a tribute to nature's restorative powers, portraying it as a sanctuary where one can find relief from the burdens of life. The dual settings of the field and forest further underscore the idea that nature, in all its forms, offers a refuge for the weary soul.

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.