Tis The Last Rose Of Summer

By Thomas Moore

Lyric Poem
    'Tis the last rose of summer         Left blooming alone;     All her lovely companions         Are faded and gone;     No flower of her kindred,         No rose-bud is nigh,     To reflect back her blushes,         Or give sigh for sigh.     I'll not leave thee, thou lone one!         To pine on the stem;     Since the lovely are sleeping.         Go, sleep thou with them.     Thus kindly I scatter         Thy leaves o'er the bed,     Where thy mates of the garden         Lie scentless and dead.     So soon may I follow,         When friendships decay,     And from Love's shining circle         The gems drop away.     When true hearts lie withered,         And fond ones are flown,     Oh! who would inhabit         This bleak world alone?

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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 poignant exploration of themes of loneliness, mortality, and the transience of beauty and affection. The solitary last rose of summer serves as a powerful metaphor for these themes, highlighting the impermanence of life and the inevitable decay of all things beautiful. The speaker's relationship with this lone rose also suggests a commentary on the human condition—specifically the universal experience of loss and isolation.

The poem's tone is melancholic, emphasized by the use of imagery that underscores the sense of solitude and death, such as the fading companions, scentless mates, and the speaker's willingness to join them in their inevitable end. The poem's structure—three quatrains with a consistent rhyme scheme—also plays a role in creating this melancholic atmosphere, lending the poem a rhythmic, lullaby-like quality that contrasts with its somber themes. The use of apostrophe, directly addressing the flower, adds emotional depth, making the speaker's connection with the rose both personal and profound. The poem also uses the literary device of personification to imbue the rose with human characteristics, further strengthening this bond between speaker and subject. Despite its melancholy, the poem also offers a sense of peace and acceptance, suggesting that there is a certain beauty and dignity in the natural cycle of life and death.

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.