Where Are The Visions.

By Thomas Moore

Lyric Poem
    "Where are the visions that round me once hovered,         "Forms that shed grace from their shadows alone;     "Looks fresh as light from a star just discovered,         "And voices that Music might take for her own?"     Time, while I spoke, with his wings resting o'er me,         Heard me say, "Where are those visions, oh where?"     And pointing his wand to the sunset before me,         Said, with a voice like the hollow wind, "There."     Fondly I looked, when the wizard had spoken,         And there, mid the dim-shining ruins of day,     Saw, by their light, like a talisman broken,         The last golden fragments of hope melt away.

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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 poignant contemplation on the passage of time and the transience of youth, beauty, and hope. The speaker mournfully poses a question about the disappearance of youthful grace, personifying Time as a wizard who points to the sunset as the place where these ephemeral visions have gone. The sunset serves as a fitting symbol for the end of a day, mirroring the perceived end of the speaker's own youthful period, filled with beauty and charm.

The poem is structured in two stanzas, each composed of four rhymed couplets, which lends a rhythmic, almost song-like quality to the narrative— a fitting choice given the speaker's reference to "voices that Music might take for her own." The tone is melancholic, and the language is rich with imagery and metaphor. The final image of the "last golden fragments of hope" melting away like a "talisman broken" is particularly evocative, combining elements of magic and loss to underscore the speaker's lament for the fading of youth and hope. This poem asks the reader to reflect on the fleeting nature of time and the inevitability of change, capturing a universal human experience in a deeply moving way.

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.