What Shall I Sing Thee?

By Thomas Moore

Lyric Poem
TO ----.     What shall I sing thee? Shall I tell     Of that bright hour, remembered well     As tho' it shone but yesterday,     When loitering idly in the ray     Of a spring sun I heard o'er-head,     My name as by some spirit said,     And, looking up, saw two bright eyes         Above me from a casement shine,     Dazzling my mind with such surprise         As they, who sail beyond the Line,     Feel when new stars above them rise;--     And it was thine, the voice that spoke,         Like Ariel's, in the mid-air then;     And thine the eye whose lustre broke--         Never to be forgot again!     What shall I sing thee? Shall I weave     A song of that sweet summer-eve,     (Summer, of which the sunniest part     Was that we, each, had in the heart,)     When thou and I, and one like thee,         In life and beauty, to the sound     Of our own breathless minstrelsy.         Danced till the sunlight faded round,     Ourselves the whole ideal Ball,     Lights, music, company, and all?     Oh, 'tis not in the languid strain         Of lute like mine, whose day is past,     To call up even a dream again         Of the fresh light those moments cast.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem, written in a romantic vein, explores themes of memory, nostalgia, beauty, and the fleeting nature of time. The poet crafts a vivid narrative, recounting bright youthful moments laced with passion and joy. The tone is wistful and elegiac, marked with a sense of longing for past experiences that cannot be revisited.

The poet uses an effective structure to emphasize the progression of time. The first half of the poem is filled with vibrant imagery that captures a specific moment of interaction; the speaker remembers hearing their name and being dazzled by the sight of bright eyes. This moment is presented as a transformative and unforgettable experience, akin to discovering new stars, a simile that adds a sense of wonder and awe. The second half of the poem moves into a more generalized memory of a joyful summer evening of music and dance, enhancing the nostalgic tone.

The poem concludes with a poignant acknowledgement of the poet's inability to fully recapture the freshness and light of these past moments. This self-aware lament suggests the limitations of language in expressing the depth of human emotions and experiences. The use of the term "lute" as a metaphor for the poet's creative abilities underscores the speaker's melancholic acceptance of the inevitable passage of time. Overall, the poem is a powerful exploration of the human longing to hold on to fleeting moments of beauty and joy.

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.