Twin'St Thou With Lofty Wreath Thy Brow?

Author: Thomas Moore

    Twin'st thou with lofty wreath thy brow?
        Such glory then thy beauty sheds,
    I almost think, while awed I bow
        'Tis Rhea's self before me treads.
    Be what thou wilt,--this heart
    Adores whate'er thou art!

    Dost thou thy loosened ringlets leave,
        Like sunny waves to wander free?
    Then, such a chain of charms they weave,
        As draws my inmost soul from me.
    Do what thou wilt,--I must
    Be charm'd by all thou dost!

    Even when, enwrapt in silvery veils,
        Those sunny locks elude the sight,--
    Oh, not even then their glory fails
        To haunt me with its unseen light.
    Change as thy beauty may,
    It charms in every way.

    For, thee the Graces still attend,
        Presiding o'er each new attire,
    And lending every dart they send
        Some new, peculiar touch of fire,
    Be what thou wilt,--this heart
        Adores what'er thou art!
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Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a rich ode to the theme of adoration and beauty, underpinned by a profound sense of reverence and attraction. The speaker is in awe of the beauty of the figure they are addressing, with the tone fluctuating between a sense of awe and a sense of enchantment, enhancing the poem's emotional depth. The figure is described with metaphors and similes that evoke celestial or divine imagery, such as 'Rhea's self' and 'sunny waves,' suggesting that their beauty is otherworldly and radiant.

The poem's structure, comprising four quatrains with a consistent rhyme scheme, allows for the development of the speaker's emotions and thoughts. The repeated phrase 'Be what thou wilt,--this heart adores what'er thou art!' underscores the speaker's unwavering adoration, regardless of changes in appearance or demeanor. The use of enjambment enhances the poem's fluidity and mimics the speaker's continuous stream of admiration. The poet makes effective use of sensory imagery, particularly visual and tactile, to convey the figure's allure. The 'silvery veils' and 'unseen light' evoke a sense of mystery, suggesting that the figure's beauty remains captivating even when hidden. The poem's ending, where the speaker acknowledges the Graces' attendance on the figure, further emphasizes the divine aura of the figure, concluding the piece on a note of reverential admiration.

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.