Author: James Joyce
Of the dark past A child is born; With joy and grief My heart is torn. Calm in his cradle The living lies. May love and mercy Unclose his eyes! Young life is breathed On the glass; The world that was not Comes to pass. A child is sleeping: An old man gone. O, father forsaken, Forgive your son!
Type of Poem: Lyric Poem
Date Written: 1932-02-02
Date Published: 1932-05-01
Language: English
Keywords: Child, Birth, Life, Death, Forgiveness
Source: Collected Poems
Publisher: Viking Press
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Comments/Notes: A poignant poem that contrasts the birth of a child with the passing of an old man, exploring themes of life, death, and forgiveness.
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:
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.