Prospice

By Robert Browning

Lyric Poem
    Fear death? to feel the fog in my throat,     The mist in my face,     When the snows begin, and the blasts denote     I am nearing the place,     The power of the night, the press of the storm,     The post of the foe;     Where he stands, the Arch Fear in a visible form,     Yet the strong man must go:     For the journey is done and the summit attained,     And the barriers fall,     Though a battle s to fight ere the guerdon be gained,     The reward of it all.     I was ever a fighter, so one fight more,     The best and the last!     I would hate that death bandaged my eyes and forbore,     And bade me creep past.     No! let me taste the whole of it, fare like my peers     The heroes of old,     Bear the brunt, in a minute pay glad lifes arrears     Of pain, darkness and cold.     For sudden the worst turns the best to the brave,     The black minute s at end,     And the elements rage, the fiend-voices that rave,     Shall dwindle, shall blend,     Shall change, shall become first a peace out of pain,     Then a light, then thy breast,     O thou soul of my soul! I shall clasp thee again,     And with God be the rest!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem grapples with profound themes of mortality, courage, and spiritual transcendence. The speaker's journey towards death is painted in vivid, atmospheric imagery, from the chilling "fog in my throat" and "mist in my face" to the raging "power of the night" and "press of the storm." These elements create a palpable sense of the speaker's confrontation with death, personified as "the Arch Fear in a visible form."

The tone of the poem is not one of despair, but of stoic acceptance and even defiance. The speaker presents themselves as a warrior, determined to meet death head-on, "fare like my peers / The heroes of old." The language is rich in martial metaphors, underscoring the speaker's boldness and tenacity. This fighting spirit is further emphasized through the poem's structure, which is characterized by a rhythmic, marching cadence that evokes a sense of forward momentum towards an inevitable end.

The poem concludes on a note of spiritual affirmation, with the speaker anticipating a reunion with the "soul of my soul" and a final rest with God. This suggests a belief in an afterlife, reinforcing the overarching theme of death as a transformative, rather than annihilating, force. Key literary devices, such as personification, metaphor, and anaphora, are used to convey these complex themes in an emotionally resonant and accessible manner. This poem is a powerful meditation on the human condition, exploring the fear, courage, and transcendental hope that can accompany the journey towards death.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.