Fulfillment

By Madison Julius Cawein

Yes, there are some who may look on these Essential peoples of the earth and air That have the stars and flowers in their care And all their soul-suggestive secrecies: Heart-intimates and comrades of the trees, Who from them learn, what no known schools declare, God's knowledge; and from winds, that discourse there, God's gospel of diviner mysteries: To whom the waters shall divulge a word Of fuller faith; the sunset and the dawn Preach sermons more inspired even than The tongues of Penticost; as, distant heard In forms of change, through Nature upward drawn, God doth address th' immortal soul of Man.

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Poem Details

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

Analysis & Notes:
This poem beautifully explores the divine connection between nature and humanity, a common theme in Romantic poetry. The poet presents nature--the stars, flowers, trees, winds, waters, sunset and dawn--as keepers of profound, divine wisdom, which is inaccessible through conventional means of learning. These natural elements are personified as "Essential peoples of the earth and air," and "Heart-intimates and comrades of the trees," suggesting a deep, personal relationship between mankind and the natural world.

The tone of the poem is reverential and contemplative, and the language is richly descriptive and evocative, creating a vivid and immersive atmosphere. The poet demonstrates a sophisticated use of literary devices such as personification and metaphor, and the structure of the poem--with its regular rhyme scheme and meter--contributes to its overall sense of harmony and order. The use of religious language and imagery, such as "God's gospel," "sermons," "fuller faith," and "the tongues of Pentecost," suggests that the poet sees nature as a conduit for spiritual revelation and divine communication. The poem concludes with the powerful assertion that, through the language of nature and change, God directly addresses the immortal soul of man, reinforcing the overarching theme of divine communion through nature.

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.