When First That Smile. (Venetian Air.)

Author: Thomas Moore

    When first that smile, like sunshine, blest my sight,
        Oh what a vision then came o'er me!
    Long years of love, of calm and pure delight,
        Seemed in that smile to pass before me.
    Ne'er did the peasant dream of summer skies,
        Of golden fruit and harvests springing,
    With fonder hope than I of those sweet eyes,
        And of the joy their light was bringing.

    Where now are all those fondly-promised hours?
        Ah! woman's faith is like her brightness--
    Fading as fast as rainbows or day-flowers,
        Or aught that's known for grace and lightness.
    Short as the Persian's prayer, at close of day,
        Should be each vow of Love's repeating;
    Quick let him worship Beauty's precious ray--
        Even while he kneels, that ray is fleeting!
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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 poignant exploration of the themes of love, beauty, and fleetingness. The speaker, presumably a man, recounts the enchanting moment he first saw a woman's smile, which he fondly compares to sunshine. This smile inspires visions of a future filled with love and joy, highlighting the power of hope and imagination. However, the tone shifts in the latter half of the poem, where the speaker laments the transience of the woman's affection and beauty.

The poem's structure supports this emotional journey. The initial quatrains are filled with positive imagery and hopeful anticipation, while the closing ones reveal a sense of disillusionment and a poignant awareness of the ephemeral nature of beauty. This dichotomy underscores the poem's central theme: the fleeting nature of love and beauty.

The poet uses evocative metaphors, such as "summer skies," "golden fruit," and "rainbows," to illustrate the woman's beauty and its ephemeral quality. The comparison of the woman's faith to phenomena known for their transience—rainbows, day-flowers, and the Persian's prayer—captures the heartbreaking realization that the promise of love is as fleeting as these transient phenomena. This poem thus invites the reader to appreciate the beauty of both love and sorrow, and to acknowledge the inevitable passage of time.

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.