Author: Madison Julius Cawein

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    This is the tomboy month of all the year,
    March, who comes shouting o'er the winter hills,
    Waking the world with laughter, as she wills,
    Or wild halloos, a windflower in her ear.
    She stops a moment by the half-thawed mere
    And whistles to the wind, and straightway shrills
    The hyla's song, and hoods of daffodils
    Crowd golden round her, leaning their heads to hear.
    Then through the woods, that drip with all their eaves,
    Her mad hair blown about her, loud she goes
    Singing and calling to the naked trees;
    And straight the oilets of the little leaves
    Open their eyes in wonder, rows on rows,
    And the first bluebird bugles to the breeze.

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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a vivid, energetic portrayal of March, personified as a lively, tomboyish figure who brings about the transition from winter to spring. The poet employs powerful imagery and personification to create this depiction, making March an active, almost human character. The theme of the poem is the rejuvenating power of spring, and the tone is cheerful and exuberant, reflecting the invigorating influence of the season.

The structure of the poem is consistent, with a rhythmic quality that mirrors the energetic portrayal of March. The literary devices used, such as metaphors, alliteration, and assonance, add depth and richness to the poem. For example, the phrase "mad hair blown about her" uses both alliteration and metaphor to evoke a sense of wild, untamed energy. Similarly, the "oilets of the little leaves" opening their "eyes in wonder" is a beautiful use of personification that adds a sense of marvel to the awakening of nature. The final line, with the bluebird's bugle to the breeze, underscores the poem's theme: a celebration of the arrival of spring and the renewal it brings.