In The Storm

Author: Madison Julius Cawein

I.

    Over heaven clouds are drifted;
    In the trees the wind-witch cries;
    By her sieve the rain is sifted,
    And the clouds at times are rifted
    By her mad broom as she flies.
    Love, there's lightning in the skies,
    Swift, as, in your face uplifted,
    Leaps the heart-thought to your eyes.
    Little face, where I can trace
    Dreams for which those eyes are pages,
    Whose young magic here assuages
    All the heart-storm and alarm.

II.

    Now the thunder tramples slowly,
    Like a king, down heaven's arc;
    And the clouds, like armies wholly
    Vanquished, break; and, white as moly,
    Sweeps the queen moon on the dark.
    Love, a bird wakes; is't the lark?
    Sweet as in your bosom holy
    Sings the heart that now I hark.
    All my soul that song makes whole,
    That young song I hear it singing,
    Calm and peace for ever bringing
    To my heart's storm and alarm.
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Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a vivid exploration of nature and human emotion, using potent imagery and metaphor to draw the reader into its world. The predominant themes are love and the power of natural forces. The structure of the poem, divided into two distinct stanzas, mirrors the transformation from storm to calm, both in the natural world and in the emotional landscape of the speaker.

The first stanza is filled with chaotic, energetic imagery, from the wind-witch crying in the trees to the lightning in the skies, which symbolize the speaker's tumultuous emotions. The "mad broom" of the wind-witch suggests the wild, uncontrollable nature of these feelings, while the "heart-thought" leaping to the eyes implies the intensity and immediacy of the speaker's passion. The second stanza, however, brings a shift in tone and imagery. The thunder becomes a king trampling slowly, the clouds break like vanquished armies, and the moon sweeps the dark. These images suggest a calming, settling force, a return to order and peace after the storm. This is echoed in the speaker's emotional state, as the song of a bird—possibly a lark, traditionally associated with dawn and new beginnings—brings calm and peace to the speaker's "heart's storm and alarm."

The poet skillfully utilizes personification, metaphor, and vivid imagery to create an evocative exploration of the interplay between the natural world and human emotion. The recurring motif of the storm—both literal and metaphorical—serves as a powerful symbol of emotional turmoil, while the transition from storm to calm mirrors the speaker's journey from unrest to peace. The final lines of each stanza, with their repeated imagery of "heart-storm and alarm," tie the two sections together and underscore the poem's central themes.

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.