A Better Resurrection

By Christina Georgina Rossetti

Lyric Poem
    I have no wit, no words, no tears;         My heart within me like a stone     Is numbed too much for hopes or fears.         Look right, look left, I dwell alone;     I lift mine eyes, but dimmed with grief         No everlasting hills I see;     My life is in the falling leaf:         O Jesus, quicken me.     My life is like a faded leaf,         My harvest dwindled to a husk;     Truly my life is void and brief         And tedious in the barren dusk;     My life is like a frozen thing,         No bud nor greenness can I see:     Yet rise it shall - the sap of Spring;         O Jesus, rise in me.     My life is like a broken bowl,         A broken bowl that cannot hold     One drop of water for my soul         Or cordial in the searching cold     Cast in the fire the perished thing,         Melt and remould it, till it be     A royal cup for Him my King:         O Jesus, drink of me.

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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 poignant reflection on desolation, hope, and spiritual regeneration. The poet uses several powerful metaphors to express feelings of despair and isolation, likening their life to a "falling leaf," a "faded leaf," and a "broken bowl." These images conjure a sense of decay and emptiness, emphasizing the speaker's emotional state. The repeated comparisons to leaf and bowl also lend a rhythmic consistency to the poem, echoing the relentlessness of the speaker's despair.

However, the tone isn't entirely despairing; the poem also contains seeds of hope and renewal. The speaker seeks solace and revitalization in faith, specifically invoking Jesus in each stanza's final line. This consistent refrain underlines the speaker's deep desire for spiritual rebirth, turning the poem into a plea for divine intervention. Further, the poem's structure, featuring three eight-line stanzas, reinforces the unfolding narrative from despair to a plea for transformation. The use of the phrase "O Jesus" not only establishes a tone of desperation but also signals a turning point, a cry for transformation and renewal. The speaker's faith and the hope for renewal amidst despair become the emotional crux of the poem. The final image, of the "broken bowl" remade into a "royal cup," encapsulates the poem's theme of spiritual regeneration and the profound transformative potential of faith.

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.