When The Wine-Cup Is Smiling. (Italian Air.)

By Thomas Moore

Lyric Poem
    When the wine-cup is smiling before us,         And we pledge round to hearts that are true, boy, true,     Then the sky of this life opens o'er us,         And Heaven gives a glimpse of its blue.     Talk of Adam in Eden reclining,         We are better, far better off thus, boy, thus;     For him but two bright eyes were shining--         See, what numbers are sparkling for us!     When on one side the grape-juice is dancing,         While on t'other a blue eye beams, boy, beams,     'Tis enough, 'twixt the wine and the glancing,         To disturb even a saint from his dreams.     Yet, tho' life like a river is flowing,         I care not how fast it goes on, boy, on,     So the grape on its bank is still growing,         And Love lights the waves as they run.

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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 delightful celebration of hedonism, companionship, and the ephemeral joy of life. Its overarching themes revolve around revelry, love, and an appreciation for the present moment. The tone is joyous and exuberant, with a clear preference for earthly pleasures over paradisiacal ideals.

The structure of the poem is consistent, with four-line stanzas and a regular rhyme scheme, lending a rhythmic cadence that echoes the convivial atmosphere the poem seeks to capture. The poet uses vivid imagery, such as the "wine-cup...smiling before us," and "heaven gives a glimpse of its blue," to convey the beauty and fleeting nature of existence. The mention of "Adam in Eden" draws a stark comparison between the traditional Biblical paradise and the humanistic one the speaker is experiencing.

Noteworthy literary devices include repetition, as seen in the repeated words at the end of certain lines, which adds to the rhythm and reinforces the poem's themes. Simile is used in the line "life like a river is flowing", painting a picture of life as a transient, ever-moving entity. Lastly, the recurring wine and love motifs serve as potent symbols for pleasure and companionship, respectively. Overall, the poem is a vibrant ode to enjoying life's immediate pleasures, with a tone of infectious joy and a strong emphasis on the present moment.

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.