The Rose

By Henry Lawson

Lyric Poem
    We love the land when the world goes round,     And deep, deep down in her thorny ground,     Where nobody comes, and nobody knows,     We love the Rose. Oh! we love the Rose.     And none to tell us, and none to teach     By the western hedge or the shelving beach,     But all of us know what everyone knows,     We love the Rose. Oh! we love the Rose.     We love the rose when our day is dead,     And they lay their roses upon our bed;     Too late! Too late! in our last repose!     But we love the Rose. Ah! we love the Rose.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem is a poignant exploration of mankind's relationship with nature, specifically the rose, and the fleetingness of life. The recurring phrase "we love the Rose" serves as a refrain, reinforcing the poem's central theme of a complex, enduring affection towards the rose, which is often symbolic of love, beauty, and human mortality.

The poem employs a simple, yet rhythmic structure, creating a soothing, almost lullaby-like quality that contrasts sharply with the profound themes it tackles. Its tone straddles the line between melancholic and celebratory, underscoring both the joy and the sorrow inherent in our transient existence. The use of vivid imagery, particularly in "deep, deep down in her thorny ground" and "they lay their roses upon our bed," creates a stark contrast between the beauty and the harsh realities of life and death. The poem also engages with the universal human experience, asserting that "all of us know what everyone knows," highlighting the shared nature of these experiences and emotions. The final exclamation "Too late! Too late!" adds a sense of urgency and a poignant reminder of life's fleetingness. This poem is a deeply resonant exploration of life, love, and mortality, using the rose as a powerful and emotive symbol.

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.