S.H

By Ralph Waldo Emerson

    With beams December planets dart     His cold eye truth and conduct scanned,     July was in his sunny heart,     October in his liberal hand.

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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 proficient exploration of human character through the lens of seasonal and celestial imagery. The poet employs the metaphor of the seasons and space to dissect the nature of an individual, creating a vivid portrayal that is both complex and compelling.

The themes presented are duality and contrasts, illustrated through the juxtaposition of elements such as 'beams' and 'December planets', 'cold eye' and 'truth and conduct', 'July' in the 'heart' and 'October' in the 'hand'. This suggests a person who is stern and judicious in his judgments ('December'), yet warm and passionate in his feelings ('July'), and generous in his deeds ('October'). The structure of the poem, being a quatrain, is compact and well-organized, mirroring the precise and methodical nature of the subject himself.

Moreover, the poet's use of alliteration in 'his sunny heart' and 'his liberal hand' add a pleasing rhythm that enhances the overall musicality of the poem. The tone is predominantly neutral, offering an objective analysis of the subject's character. The poet’s skillful use of imagery and metaphor creates a rich, multifaceted image that prompts the reader to contemplate the complexity of human nature.

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.