THE WEREWOLF
by Madison Cawein
She
Nay; still amort, my love?—Why dost thou lag?
He
The strix-owl cried.
She
Nay! ’twas yon stream that leaps
Hoarse from the black pines of the Hakel steeps;
Its moon-wild water glittering down the crag.—
Why so aghast, sweetheart? Why dost thou stop?
He
The Demon Huntsman passed with hooting horn!
She
Nay! ’twas the blind wind sweeping through the thorn
Around the ruins of the Dumburg’s top.
He
My limbs are cold.
She
Come! warm thee in my arms.
He
My eyes are weary.
She
Rest, them, love, on mine.
He
I am athirst.
She
Quench, on my lips, thy thirst.—
O dear belovéd, how thy last kiss warms
My blood again!
He
Off!… How thy eyeballs shine!—
Thou beast!… thou—Ah!… thus do
I die, accursed
Bio
Madison Julius Cawein (1865-1914) was an American poet known as the “Keats of Kentucky.” Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Cawein was a prolific writer who published around 36 books of poetry over his lifetime.
He began writing poetry at a young age and published his first collection, “Blooms of the Berry,” in 1887 at the age of 22. Cawein’s work was deeply influenced by the natural world, and he often wrote about the landscapes and folklore of his native Kentucky.
Cawein’s poetry was characterized by its rich imagery, lyrical quality, and themes of nature, love, and the supernatural. He was particularly known for his ability to evoke a sense of mystery and wonder in his verses. His style was reminiscent of the English Romantic poets, earning him comparisons to John Keats.
Despite his prolific output and popularity during his lifetime, Cawein’s work fell into relative obscurity after his death. However, he is still remembered as an important figure in Kentucky’s literary history and has experienced some renewed interest in recent years.
Cawein’s personal life was marked by financial struggles, especially in his later years. He married Gertrude McKelvey in 1903 and had one son. Madison Cawein died in 1914 at the age of 49.
