Tilly (Reprise)

Author: James Joyce

He travels after a winter sun,
Urging the cattle along a cold red road,
Calling to them, a voice they know,
He drives his beasts above Cabra.

The voice tells them home is warm.
They moo and make brute music with their hoofs.
He drives them with a flowering branch before him,
Smoke pluming their foreheads.

Boor, bond of the herd,
Tonight stretch full by the fire!
And tomorrow toil again
From dawn till night,
He drives them with a flowering branch before him,
Smoke pluming their foreheads.
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Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written: 1914-01-10

Date Published: 1927-05-01

Language: English

Keywords: Winter, Cattle, Herd, Cabra, Music

Source: Collected Poems

Publisher: Viking Press

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: A reprise of the earlier poem that captures the daily life of a cattle herder, reflecting on the simplicity and rhythm of life in the countryside.

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.