Author: James Joyce
Fraillest - flower! - how is it You hold and hark, A moment to my heart, Nor yet dare lift to your brow? What strong arm holds you, What dear voice - whose breath, As in a distant land, I heard The sigh of a dying sigh? Give me a little while, Sweet frail flower, And let me hold you a little nearer Until you fade and flutter in my hand, As a child's touch falls on me Gently as dew.
Type of Poem: Lyric Poem
Date Written: 1913-04-21
Date Published: 1927-05-01
Language: English
Keywords: Flower, Daughter, Frailty, Heart, Child
Source: Collected Poems
Publisher: Viking Press
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Comments/Notes: A reprise of the earlier tender poem about a flower given to the narrator's daughter, symbolizing the fragility and beauty of life.
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.