Fear Not That, While Around Thee

By Thomas Moore

Lyric Poem
    Fear not that, while around thee         Life's varied blessings pour,     One sigh of hers shall wound thee,         Whose smile thou seek'st no more.     No, dead and cold for ever         Let our past love remain;     Once gone, its spirit never         Shall haunt thy rest again.     May the new ties that bind thee         Far sweeter, happier prove,     Nor e'er of me remind thee,         But by their truth and love.     Think how, asleep or waking,         Thy image haunts me yet;     But, how this heart is breaking         For thy own peace forget.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem exudes a somber tone, focusing on themes of lost love, selflessness, and longing. While it is melancholic, there's an underlying sense of grace and acceptance, evident in the narrator's wish for the object of their past affection to find happiness and peace. The narrator remains haunted by their memories, but the poem emphasizes their desire for the other person's tranquility, even if it means their own heartbreak.

The structure of the poem maintains a consistent rhythm and rhyme scheme, enhancing its melodic quality and reinforcing the emotional depth of the text. The use of contrasting imagery - blessings pouring around the subject, yet the narrator's love remaining cold and dead - creates a powerful depiction of their emotional state. The repetition of the word "thy" in the second half of the poem lends a sense of intimacy and familiarity, reminding the reader of a shared past between the narrator and the subject. The final two lines are particularly poignant, using the literary device of paradox to articulate the narrator's struggle between their own heartbreak and their wish for the other's peace. This balance between personal pain and selfless love is a compelling aspect of this resonant poem.

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.