From The Phi Beta Kappa Poem

By Ralph Waldo Emerson

Lyric Poem
    Ill fits the abstemious Muse a crown to weave     For living brows; ill fits them to receive:     And yet, if virtue abrogate the law,     One portrait--fact or fancy--we may draw;     A form which Nature cast in the heroic mould     Of them who rescued liberty of old;     He, when the rising storm of party roared,     Brought his great forehead to the council board,     There, while hot heads perplexed with fears the state,     Calm as the morn the manly patriot sate;     Seemed, when at last his clarion accents broke,     As if the conscience of the country spoke.     Not on its base Monadnoc surer stood,     Than he to common sense and common good:     No mimic; from his breast his counsel drew,     Believed the eloquent was aye the true;     He bridged the gulf from th' alway good and wise     To that within the vision of small eyes.     Self-centred; when he launched the genuine word     It shook or captivated all who heard,     Ran from his mouth to mountains and the sea,     And burned in noble hearts proverb and prophecy.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem masterfully explores the themes of leadership, virtue, and patriotism through the lens of a figure cast in the "heroic mould." The tone is one of reverence and admiration, celebrating the individual who, like the steadfast Monadnoc, stands firmly grounded in common sense and for the common good. This leader is portrayed as a beacon of calm amidst the storm of political discord, his words carrying the weight and authority of the nation's conscience.

The structure of the poem, traditional in its rhyme and meter, complements the classic qualities of leadership it praises. Notably, the poet employs powerful imagery and metaphor, likening the leader's influence to a force of nature—his words echoing from his mouth to the mountains and the sea. The use of personification attributing the leader's words as the "conscience of the country," further emphasizes his significant role. Finally, the recurring motif of "common sense and common good" underscores the notion that genuine leadership is rooted in wisdom and altruism, not self-interest. This poem, thus, serves as both an ode to an ideal leader and a critique of those who deviate from this ideal.

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.