Wreath The Bowl

By Thomas Moore

        Wreath the bowl         With flowers of soul,     The brightest wit can find us;         We'll take a flight         Towards heaven to-night,     And leave dull earth behind us.         Should Love amid         The wreaths be hid,     That joy, the enchanter, brings us,         No danger fear,         While wine is near,     We'll drown him if he stings us,         Then, wreath the bowl         With flowers of soul,     The brightest wit can find us;         We'll take a flight         Towards heaven to-night,     And leave dull earth behind us.         'Twas nectar fed         Of old, 'tis said,     Their Junos, Joves, Apollos;         And man may brew         His nectar too,     The rich receipt's as follows:         Take wine like this,         Let looks of bliss     Around it well be blended,         Then bring wit's beam         To warm the stream,     And there's your nectar, splendid!         So wreath the bowl         With flowers of soul,     The brightest wit can find us;         We'll take a flight         Towards heaven to-night,     And leave dull earth behind us.         Say, why did Time         His glass sublime     Fill up with sands unsightly,         When wine, he knew,         Runs brisker through,     And sparkles far more brightly?         Oh, lend it us,         And, smiling thus,     The glass in two we'll sever,         Make pleasure glide         In double tide,     And fill both ends for ever!         Then wreath the bowl         With flowers of soul     The brightest wit can find us;         We'll take a flight         Towards heaven to-night,     And leave dull earth behind us.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:
The poem is a vibrant celebration of life, pleasure, wit, and the transcendence offered by the human spirit. The recurring theme throughout the poem is the joy of living and the desire to escape the mundanity of earthly existence, symbolized by the metaphor of taking a flight towards heaven. The repeated phrase "wreath the bowl with flowers of soul," serves as a refrain, reinforcing the concept of infusing life with rich, soulful experiences, represented by the symbolic 'nectar.'

The tone of the poem is joyous and exuberant, emphasizing the intoxicating allure of life's pleasures. The poet uses imagery, particularly in relation to wine, both as a symbol of joy and a medium of escape from the 'dull earth.' Also notable is the poet's playful challenge to Time, suggesting that the enjoyment of life's pleasures can make time fly faster and brighter.

The structure is rhythmic and repetitive, creating a sort of chant or toast, further enhancing the celebratory nature of the piece. The language is accessible and engaging, filled with classical allusions to 'Juno, Joves, Apollos' which adds a sense of grandeur to the poem. The use of the imperative 'wreath the bowl' invites the reader into the poet's joyful celebration of life. The poem, while reveling in the pleasures of the present, also suggests a desire for these moments to last forever, therefore touching on the universal human longing for permanence amidst the fleeting nature of life's joys.

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.