The Apology

By Ralph Waldo Emerson

Lyric Poem
    Think me not unkind and rude     That I walk alone in grove and glen;     I go to the god of the wood     To fetch his word to men.     Tax not my sloth that I     Fold my arms beside the brook;     Each cloud that floated in the sky     Writes a letter in my book.     Chide me not, laborious band,     For the idle flowers I brought;     Every aster in my hand     Goes home loaded with a thought.     There was never mystery     But 'tis figured in the flowers;     Was never secret history     But birds tell it in the bowers.     One harvest from thy field     Homeward brought the oxen strong;     A second crop thine acres yield,     Which I gather in a song.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem presents a contemplative narrative where the speaker not only defends, but champions solitude and introspection. The speaker's engagement with nature, as seen in the references to the grove, glen, and brook, symbolizes a spiritual communion with the natural world that echoes the Romantic tradition. The tone is serene, reflective, even slightly defiant as the speaker justifies his solitude and lack of traditional productivity.

The poem is structured in quatrains with a consistent rhyme scheme, enhancing the overall sense of harmony and order. The poet makes effective use of literary devices such as metaphor and personification. For example, the "cloud that floats in the sky" writing a letter in the speaker's book can be interpreted as an embodiment of inspiration derived from nature. Similarly, the "idle flowers" brought by the speaker are not just flowers, but carriers of thoughts and revelations. The concluding metaphor of the field yielding two harvests—one physical, one intellectual—cements the speaker's argument that singular contemplation is not only valid but vital, as it produces its own kind of invaluable yield: song, or in other words, poetry.

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.