A Birthday

By Christina Georgina Rossetti

Lyric Poem
    My heart is like a singing bird         Whose nest is in a watered shoot;     My heart is like an apple-tree         Whose boughs are bent with thickset fruit;     My heart is like a rainbow shell         That paddles in a halcyon sea;     My heart is gladder than all these         Because my love is come to me.     Raise me a dais of silk and down;         Hang it with vair and purple dyes;     Carve it in doves, and pomegranates,         And peacocks with a hundred eyes;     Work it in gold and silver grapes,         In leaves, and silver fleurs-de-lys;     Because the birthday of my life         Is come, my love is come to me.

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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 ebullient exploration of love and joy, with the heart serving as a central metaphor throughout. The author employs rich, vivid imagery and similes to describe the heart, likening it to a singing bird, an apple tree laden with fruit, a rainbow shell in a calm sea, all of which evoke feelings of abundance, colorfulness, and serenity. These comparisons not only bring the heart to life but also illustrate the transformative power of love that makes the speaker's heart "gladder than all these".

The second half of the poem becomes more celebratory, with the speaker requesting the creation of an extravagant dais, symbolizing their immense joy and the celebratory nature of love. The use of luxurious items such as silk, gold, silver, and a variety of precious dyes and carvings, further underscores the value the speaker places on their love. The repetition of "my love is come to me" anchors the poem, serving as a joyous refrain that emphasizes the transformative impact of love. The structure of the poem is straightforward and rhythmic, which enhances its joyful tone. Overall, the poem presents a vibrant depiction of love as a potent and transformative force, capable of inducing unparalleled joy and celebration.

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.