Weep On, Weep On.

By Thomas Moore

Lyric Poem
    Weep on, weep on, your hour is past;         Your dreams of pride are o'er;     The fatal chain is round you cast,         And you are men no more.     In vain the hero's heart hath bled;         The sage's tongue hath warned in vain;--     Oh, Freedom! once thy flame hath fled,         It never lights again.     Weep on--perhaps in after days,         They'll learn to love your name;     When many a deed may wake in praise         That long hath slept in blame.     And when they tread the ruined isle,         Where rest, at length, the lord and slave,     They'll wondering ask, how hands so vile         Could conquer hearts so brave?     "'Twas fate," they'll say, "a wayward fate         "Your web of discord wove;     "And while your tyrants joined in hate,         "You never joined in love.     "But hearts fell off, that ought to twine,         "And man profaned what God had given;     "Till some were heard to curse the shrine,         "Where others knelt to heaven!"

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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 commentary on the loss of freedom and the devastating consequences of discord and disunity. It employs a mournful tone and a consistent structure to convey its powerful themes. The repetition of the phrase "Weep on, weep on" at the beginning of the first and second stanzas and the use of direct address to the fallen, personified as 'Freedom', create a rhythmic resonance that enhances the poem's emotional impact.

The poem's themes of loss and regret are underscored by the use of imagery and metaphor. The "fatal chain" symbolizes oppression and the loss of liberty, while the "flame" of Freedom that "never lights again" signifies the irreversible consequences of this loss. The poem also employs contrasting images of heroism and tyranny, love and hate, praise and blame, and the sacred and the profane to underline the dichotomous nature of human action and emotion. These contrasts serve to emphasize the tragic irony of the poem's central message: that the brave hearts fell to vile hands due to their own disunity and failure to cherish what was divinely given.

The poem's tone shifts from lament to a somewhat hopeful anticipation in the second stanza, suggesting that future generations may come to appreciate the fallen's sacrifices and learn from their mistakes. However, the final stanza returns to the mournful tone, emphasizing that love and unity were the missing elements that led to their downfall. Overall, the poem is a profound meditation on the importance of unity, the value of freedom, and the tragic consequences of its loss.

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.