The Child At The Gate

By Madison Julius Cawein

Narrative Poem
    The sunset was a sleepy gold,     And stars were in the skies     When down a weedy lane he strolled     In vague and thoughtless wise.     And then he saw it, near a wood,     An old house, gabled brown,     Like some old woman, in a hood,     Looking toward the town.     A child stood at its broken gate,     Singing a childish song,     And weeping softly as if Fate     Had done her child's heart wrong.     He spoke to her:"Now tell me, dear,     Why do you sing and weep?"     But she she did not seem to hear,     But stared as if asleep.     Then suddenly she turned and fled     As if with soul of fear.     He followed; but the house looked dead,     And empty many a year.     The light was wan: the dying day     Grew ghostly suddenly:     And from the house he turned away,     Wrapped in its mystery.     They told him no one dwelt there now:     It was a haunted place.     And then it came to him, somehow,     The memory of a face.     That child's like hers, whose name was Joy     For whom his heart was fain:     The face of her whom, when a boy,     He played with in that lane.

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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 poignant exploration of memory, loss, and the passage of time. The narrative unfolds in a twilight setting, a metaphorical space often associated with the threshold between the known and the unknown, the present and the past. The poet employs vivid imagery and personification to animate the scenery, such as the sunset's 'sleepy gold' and the old house personified as an 'old woman.' These elements contribute to the overall melancholic tone of the poem.

The structural rhythm of the poem adds a sense of haunting inevitability, creating a cinematic progression from the initial serene setting to the eerie encounter with the ghostly child. The use of dialogue enriches the narrative, providing a striking contrast between the innocence of the child and the sadness implied in her actions. The poem concludes with a poignant reveal, tying the spectral encounter to a deeply personal memory, thus amplifying the themes of nostalgia and longing for days gone by. The poet's use of the child as a symbol of lost innocence and joy is particularly evocative, offering a lingering sense of wistful melancholy. The poem is a beautiful, if somber, meditation on the power of memory and the inexorable march of time.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.