When The Sad Word.

Author: Thomas Moore


    When the sad word, "Adieu," from my lip is nigh falling,
        And with it, Hope passes away,
    Ere the tongue hath half breathed it, my fond heart recalling
        That fatal farewell, bids me stay,
    For oh! 'tis a penance so weary
        One hour from thy presence to be,
    That death to this soul were less dreary,
        Less dark than long absence from thee.

    Thy beauty, like Day, o'er the dull world breaking.
        Brings life to the heart it shines o'er,
    And, in mine, a new feeling of happiness waking,
        Made light what was darkness before.
    But mute is the Day's sunny glory,
    While thine hath a voice, on whose breath,
        More sweet than the Syren's sweet story,
    My hopes hang, through life and through death!

Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a passionate exploration of the themes of love, loss, and longing, underlined by a sense of melancholy and despair. The consistent use of the words "Adieu," "death," and "absence," sets a tone of profound sadness, with the speaker expressing fear of separation from their loved one. The poem is structured in two eight-line stanzas, each with a consistent rhyme scheme, which gives it a rhythmical, melodious quality that echoes the musicality of traditional love poetry.

The key literary device used here is the personification of the beloved's beauty as "Day," which "brings life to the heart it shines o’er." This metaphor not only illustrates the transformative power of love, but it also creates a stark contrast between light and dark, life and death, to further emphasize the depth of the speaker's longing. The "Siren's sweet story" is an allusion to Greek mythology, where Sirens were known for their enchanting voices that lured sailors to their death. This could imply that the speaker is aware of the danger or destructiveness of their love, yet they remain irresistibly drawn to it. Overall, the poem is a poignant depiction of love's ability to inspire both joy and despair, and its power to illuminate and darken our world.

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.