Wireless

By Alfred Noyes

Lyric Poem
    Now to those who search the deep,         Gleam of Hope and Kindly Light,     Once, before you turn to sleep,         Breathe a message through the night.     Never doubt that they'll receive it.     Send it, once, and you'll believe it.     Wrecks that burn against the stars,         Decks where death is wallowing green,     Snare the breath among their spars,         Hear the flickering threads between,     Quick, through all the storms that blind them,     Quick with words that rush to find them.     Think you these arial wires         Whisper more than spirits may?     Think you that our strong desires         Touch no distance when we pray?     Think you that no wings are flying     'Twixt the living and the dying?     Inland, here, upon your knees,         You shall breathe from urgent lips,     Round the ships that guard your seas,         Fleet on fleet of angel ships;     Yea, the guarded may so bless them     That no terrors can distress them.     You shall guide the darkling prow,         Kneeling thus--and far inland--     You shall touch the storm-beat brow         Gently as a spirit-hand.     Even a blindfold prayer may speed them,     And a little child may lead them.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is an eloquent exploration of faith, hope, and the power of prayer. Its central theme lies in the notion that human connection transcends physical boundaries, and that thoughts and prayers, though intangible, can have a discernible impact on reality. The poet employs marine imagery to symbolize adversity and struggle, with phrases like "wrecks that burn against the stars" and "decks where death is wallowing green" painting vivid pictures of turmoil and despair. Yet, the tone remains hopeful and encouraging, urging the reader to trust in the efficacy of their prayers.

The poem's structure, consisting of five stanzas each composed of six lines, provides a rhythmic and ordered frame for the poet's ideas. The use of an ABABCC rhyme scheme within each stanza further enhances this sense of structure. The poet skilfully employs various literary devices, including metaphor, personification, and alliteration, to heighten the emotional impact of the poem. For instance, the phrase "fleet on fleet of angel ships" personifies prayers as divine vessels of hope, while the alliteration in "blindfold prayer may speed them" adds a musical quality to the verse. Overall, this poem beautifully encapsulates the human capacity for compassion and faith, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

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.