The Wonder

By Thomas Moore

Lyric Poem
    Come, tell me where the maid is found.         Whose heart can love without deceit,     And I will range the world around,         To sigh one moment at her feet.     Oh! tell me where's her sainted home,         What air receives her blessed sigh,     A pilgrimage of years I'll roam         To catch one sparkle of her eye!     And if her cheek be smooth and bright,         While truth within her bosom lies,     I'll gaze upon her morn and night,         Till my heart leave me through my eyes.     Show me on earth a thing so rare,         I'll own all miracles are true;     To make one maid sincere and fair,         Oh, 'tis the utmost Heaven can do!

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Create Image

Transform this poem into a beautiful shareable image

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline

Share the Love of Poetry
More Poems
More Lyric Poems
Daily Poem

Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a romantic exploration of idealized love and an earnest search for sincerity. The speaker's desire for a companion whose love is pure, honest, and without deceit is the central theme. The tone is filled with longing and a sort of romantic desperation, highlighting the speaker's willing commitment to travel the world, or even dedicate years, to find this paragon of virtue. The language used is heavy with romantic imagery and a sense of the divine, which further elevates the sought-after maiden to an almost supernatural status.

Structurally, the poem maintains a consistent rhyme scheme (ABAB) across each stanza, providing a steady rhythm that underlines the determined quest of the speaker. As for literary devices, hyperbole stands out prominently as the speaker promises to "range the world around" or embark on a "pilgrimage of years", emphasizing the depth of his dedication. We also see a vivid use of metaphor in the final stanza, where the creation of a truly sincere and beautiful woman is equated to a miracle. This serves to not only end the poem on a note of high romantic ideals, but also to reinforce the speaker's ardent belief in the value of genuine love and beauty.

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.