A Memory of the Players in a Mirror at Midnight

By James Joyce

They mouth love's language. Gnash The thirteen teeth your lean jaws grin with. LISP The four lost souls your moaning mockery Has stammered from the beast that hides your sin. Your blood is not more pure than the raging wolf's Who mocks at the ape's dissonance. Listen: they Are the music of grief. And he who purrs While feeding still the face he once held dear, Growls like a cat under a chestnut tree When the blackbird begins to sing.
Written: 1917-03-21

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Poem Details

Date Written: 1917-03-21
Date Published: 1927-05-01
Language: English
Keywords: Memory, Players, Love, Language, Mockery
Source: Collected Poems
Publisher: Viking Press
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:
A poem that explores the themes of love and mockery, with vivid and striking imagery of players in a mirror at midnight.

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.