Since First Thy Word. (Air.--Nicholas Freeman.)

By Thomas Moore

Lyric Poem
    Since first Thy Word awaked my heart,     Like new life dawning o'er me,     Where'er I turn mine eyes, Thou art,         All light and love before me.     Naught else I feel, or hear or see--         All bonds of earth I sever--     Thee, O God, and only Thee         I live for, now and ever.     Like him whose fetters dropt away         When light shone o'er his prison,[1]     My spirit, touched by Mercy's ray,         Hath from her chains arisen.     And shall a soul Thou bidst be free,         Return to bondage?--never!     Thee, O God, and only Thee         I live for, now and ever.

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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 spiritual awakening and commitment, employing profound religious imagery to convey its themes. The poet presents an intense personal relationship with the divine, invoking the transformative power of faith to liberate the soul from the metaphorical chains of earthly concerns. The tone is marked by a deep reverence and a sense of transcendence, underlining the speaker's intense devotion to God.

The poem’s structure, comprised of two equal stanzas, reflects the speaker's steadfast conviction, with the repeated refrain "Thee, O God, and only Thee / I live for, now and ever" emphasizing the speaker's unyielding commitment to their spiritual path. The poem employs the literary device of simile in the comparison of the speaker's spiritual awakening to a prisoner released from his fetters, further highlighting the transformative power of faith. The use of first-person perspective makes the experience intimate, enabling readers to fully grasp the profound impact of the speaker's spiritual journey. The poem's language is rich yet accessible, making complex metaphysical concepts relatable to a broad audience.

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.