Tis All For Thee

By Thomas Moore

Lyric Poem
    If life for me hath joy or light,             'Tis all from thee,     My thoughts by day, my dreams by night,             Are but of thee, of only thee.     Whate'er of hope or peace I know,     My zest in joy, my balm in woe,     To those dear eyes of thine I owe,             'Tis all from thee.     My heart, even ere I saw those eyes,             Seemed doomed to thee;     Kept pure till then from other ties,             'Twas all for thee, for only thee.     Like plants that sleep till sunny May     Calls forth their life my spirit lay,     Till, touched by Love's awakening ray,             It lived for thee, it lived for thee.     When Fame would call me to her heights,             She speaks by thee;     And dim would shine her proudest lights,             Unshared by thee, unshared by thee.     Whene'er I seek the Muse's shrine,     Where Bards have hung their wreaths divine,     And wish those wreaths of glory mine,         'Tis all for thee, for only thee.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem presents a passionate exploration of devotion, love, and the profound impact of an individual on the narrator's life. The recurring theme here is clear: the subject's significance in shaping the speaker's existence - their emotions, aspirations, and creative endeavors. The use of the phrase "for thee, for only thee" emphasizes this deep-seated affection and the exclusivity of their love.

The poem's structure, predominantly crafted in rhymed quatrains, provides a rhythmic, almost hymnal quality, further enhancing its emotive appeal. The repetition of the phrase "’Tis all from thee" and variations of it underscore the central theme and lend the poem an enchanting, almost incantatory feel. The poet utilizes the metaphor of a dormant plant called to life in sunny May to effectively illustrate love's transformative power. The tone, imbued with profound admiration and reverence for the addressee, presents an earnest and moving portrait of love and devotion. The poem, in essence, offers a poignant exploration of how love can be a driving force, a locus of inspiration, and a guiding light.

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.