Why Does She So Long Delay?

By Thomas Moore

Lyric Poem
    Why does she so long delay?         Night is waning fast away;     Thrice have I my lamp renewed,         Watching here in solitude,     Where can she so long delay?         Where, so long delay?     Vainly now have two lamps shone;         See the third is nearly gone:     Oh that Love would, like the ray         Of that weary lamp, decay!     But no, alas, it burns still on,         Still, still, burns on.     Gods, how oft the traitress dear         Swore, by Venus, she'd be here!     But to one so false as she         What is man or deity?     Neither doth this proud one fear,--         No, neither doth she fear.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem in question dwells in the realm of longing and unrequited love, underscored by the motif of a solitary vigil. The speaker waits in vain for his beloved, his patience waning as the night and his lamp burn away, a stark symbol of his diminishing hope. The tone of the piece is one of deep despair and frustration, the repetitiveness of the lines mirroring the speaker's own endless wait.

The structure of the poem, with its repeating questions and laments, emphasizes the speaker's sense of desolation and the passage of time. The use of the lamps as a recurring imagery is profoundly effective, signifying not just the passage of time, but also the dwindling hope and the persistence of love despite disappointment. The latter half of the poem introduces a tone of bitterness and betrayal, with the beloved being portrayed as 'traitress' and 'false'. The speaker feels deceived, not just by his beloved, but also by the gods, as he questions the worth of human and divine promises. This transition from despair to a more cynical contemplation adds depth to the theme, exploring the implications of unreciprocated love and betrayal. The poem, thus, is a poignant exploration of unfulfilled longing, time, and the disillusionment that stems from unrequited love.

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.