The Lost Dream

By Madison Julius Cawein

Narrative Poem
    The black night showed its hungry teeth,     And gnawed with sleet at roof and pane;     Beneath the door I heard it breathe     A beast that growled in vain.     The hunter wind stalked up and down,     And crashed his ice-spears through each tree;     Before his rage, in tattered gown,     I saw the maid moon flee.     There stole a footstep to my door;     A voice cried in my room and there!     A shadow cowled and gaunt and hoar,     Death, leaned above my chair.     He beckoned me; he bade me rise,     And follow through the madman night;     Into my heart's core pierced his eyes,     And lifted me with might.     I rose; I made no more delay;     And followed where his eyes compelled;     And through the darkness, far away,     They lit me and enspelled.     Until we reached an ancient wood,     That flung its twisted arms around,     As if in anguish that it stood     On dark, unhallowed ground.     And then I saw it cold and blind     The dream, that had my heart to share,     That fell, before its feet could find     Its home, and perished there.

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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 vivid exploration of themes such as mortality, fear, and inevitability. The author uses a series of striking metaphors and personifications to create an ominous, almost predatory atmosphere. The night, the wind, and even death itself are given life and agency, transforming the natural world into a hunting ground where the speaker is the prey. The language is evocative and gripping, filled with "hungry teeth," "ice-spears," and "madman night," painting a picture of a hostile, uncaring universe.

The structure of the poem is regular, with a uniform rhythm and rhyme scheme, but the narrative it tells is anything but. The speaker's journey from their room to the "ancient wood" is fraught with terror and uncertainty, yet there's a sense of inevitability to their actions. The poem culminates in the chilling image of a dream, symbolizing hope or perhaps life itself, falling and perishing. This could be interpreted as a poignant statement on the inevitability of death and the transient nature of life. The use of imagery and metaphor throughout this piece is exceptional, creating a haunting and thought-provoking narrative that lingers long after the poem has ended.

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.