When Thou Art Nigh.

Author: Thomas Moore

    When thou art nigh, it seems
        A new creation round;
    The sun hath fairer beams,
        The lute a softer sound.
    Tho' thee alone I see,
        And hear alone thy sigh,
    'Tis light, 'tis song to me,
        Tis all--when thou art nigh.

    When thou art nigh, no thought
        Of grief comes o'er my heart;
    I only think--could aught
        But joy be where thou art?
    Life seems a waste of breath,
        When far from thee I sigh;
    And death--ay, even death
        Were sweet, if thou wert nigh.
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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: The poem captures the theme of all-consuming love and the transformative power it can possess. The speaker's world is perceived differently when the object of their affection is near, indicating their strong emotional dependence on this person. They describe a heightened sense of joy, with everything appearing more beautiful and sounding more harmonious. This emotional intensity is further emphasized through the use of hyperbolic expressions like "Tis all--when thou art nigh."

The structure of the poem presents two mirrored quatrains, each beginning with "When thou art nigh," and ending on a reflection of the speaker's feelings. This repetition establishes a rhythm, a kind of heartbeat, that underscores the speaker's emotional state. Furthermore, the use of the archaic "thou" and "thee" injects a sense of timelessness to the expression of love, while the consistent use of "nigh" brings a musicality to the poem.

The tone is one of adoration and longing, which is conveyed not only through the words but also the rhythm and structure of the poem. However, the speaker's love also borders on desperation, as suggested by their willingness to embrace death if it meant being close to their beloved. This introduces a darker undertone to the poem, highlighting the potential peril of such intense passion. Overall, the poem offers a powerful exploration of love's euphoria and its capacity to eclipse reason.

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.