The Little Boy, The Wind, And The Rain

By Madison Julius Cawein

Narrative Poem
I.     Sometimes, when I'm gone to-bed,     And it's all dark in the room,     Seems I hear somebody tread     Heavy, rustling through the gloom:     And then something there goes "boom,"     Stumbling on the floor o'erhead;     And I cover eyes and ears:     Never dare to once look out,     But just cry till mother hears,     Says there's naught to cry about:     "Old Mis' Wind is at her capers.     Shut your eyes and go to sleep.     She has got among those papers,     In the attic, with her sweep.     Shut your eyes and go to sleep." II.     Sometimes when the lamplight's flame     Flickers, fingers tap the pane;     Knuckled fingers, just the same,     Rapping with long nails again:     Bony hands then seem to strain,     Pulling at the window-frame:     And I cry, "Who's there?" And then     Sit bolt up in bed and call     Till my father drops his pen,     Saying to me from the hall:     "Old Man Rain is at his nonsense.     Close your eyes and go to sleep.     Makes a lot of noise. My conscience!     What a fuss his fingers keep!     Close your eyes and go to sleep."

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Create Image

Transform this poem into a beautiful shareable image

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline

Share the Love of Poetry
More Poems
More Narrative Poems
Daily Poem

Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem skillfully captures the childlike fear of the unknown, particularly the sounds and shadows that come alive in the quiet of night. The two stanzas correspond to two different instances of this fear, each triggered by a different natural phenomenon - wind and rain. The poet's use of onomatopoeia ("boom," "tread") and vivid, tactile imagery ("knuckled fingers," "bony hands") effectively evokes the sense of dread and mystery associated with these sounds. The repeated refrain of the parents' comforting words adds a soothing rhythm to the poem, drawing a comforting contrast to the child's fear.

The poem's structure mirrors its thematic progression. Each stanza begins with the child's fear, and builds up to the parental reassurance. This cyclical structure underscores the universality of the child's experience, and the ongoing, repetitive nature of fear and comfort. The poet's language is straightforward and relatable, effectively capturing the child's perspective. The use of personification, attributing human characteristics to the wind and rain, adds an additional layer of depth to the poem, inviting readers to reflect on the human tendency to interpret the unknown in familiar terms. This poem is a poignant exploration of fear, comfort, and the power of imagination.

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.