When Twilight Dews.

Author: Thomas Moore

    When twilight dews are falling soft
        Upon the rosy sea, love,
    I watch the star, whose beam so oft
        Has lighted me to thee, love.
    And thou too, on that orb so dear,
        Dost often gaze at even,
    And think, tho' lost for ever here,
        Thou'lt yet be mine in heaven.

    There's not a garden walk I tread,
        There's not a flower I see, love,
    But brings to mind some hope that's fled,
        Some joy that's gone with thee, Love.
    And still I wish that hour was near,
        When, friends and foes forgiven,
    The pains, the ills we've wept thro' here
        May turn to smiles in heaven.
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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: The poem harnesses the power of nature and celestial imagery to express the themes of love, loss, and hope for redemption in the afterlife. The speaker uses the star as a symbol of their lost love, a beacon that has "lighted" them to their beloved in the past and continues to do so, suggesting a longing that transcends physical boundaries. This is further emphasized by the repetition of the term "love," which appears at the end of each stanza, underscoring the poem’s central theme.

The tone of the poem is melancholic yet hopeful, reflecting the speaker's mourning for a love that is lost "for ever here" but may be rekindled in heaven. The poem's structure, consisting of two stanzas with a rhythmic pattern, contributes to the overall solemn and contemplative mood. Meanwhile, the use of garden and flower imagery in the second stanza serves as poignant reminders of a love that was once blooming but is now associated with "hope that's fled" and "joy that's gone." Despite this sense of loss, the speaker holds onto the belief that all "pains" and "ills" suffered in this life may be transformed into "smiles in heaven," providing a heartening conclusion. This combination of sorrow and hopefulness, along with the creative use of celestial and natural imagery, makes the poem a touching exploration of love, loss, and the potential for spiritual reunification.

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.