Yvonne Of Brittany

By Ernest Christopher Dowson

Lyric Poem
    In your mother's apple-orchard,     Just a year ago, last spring:     Do you remember, Yvonne!     The dear trees lavishing     Rain of their starry blossoms     To make you a coronet?     Do you ever remember, Yvonne?     As I remember yet.     In your mother's apple-orchard,     When the world was left behind:     You were shy, so shy, Yvonne!     But your eyes were calm and kind.     We spoke of the apple harvest,     When the cider press is set,     And such-like trifles, Yvonne!     That doubtless you forget.     In the still, soft Breton twilight,     We were silent; words were few,     Till your mother came out chiding,     For the grass was bright with dew:     But I know your heart was beating,     Like a fluttered, frightened dove.     Do you ever remember, Yvonne?     That first faint flush of love?     In the fulness of midsummer,     When the apple-bloom was shed,     Oh, brave was your surrender,     Though shy the words you said.     I was glad, so glad, Yvonne!     To have led you home at last;     Do you ever remember, Yvonne!     How swiftly the days passed?

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem beautifully captures the nuances of a blossoming romance, set against the backdrop of an apple orchard in spring. Its recurring themes are memory, love, and the passage of time, which are conveyed through the consistent refrain of questions posed to 'Yvonne' about her recollections. The tone is nostalgic and gently questioning, as if the speaker is coaxing Yvonne to remember their shared past, and thus rekindle the emotions they once shared.

The poem's structure is regular, with four stanzas each containing eight lines. This regularity mirrors the cyclical nature of seasons, reinforcing the underlying theme of time. The poet uses vivid and sensory imagery to bring the scenes to life, such as "starry blossoms" and "the grass was bright with dew", and the use of natural elements serves to reflect the characters' emotional states. The shift from spring to summer signifies the progression of their relationship from its innocent beginnings to a more mature love. The rhythm of the poem, along with the repeated questioning, creates a sense of longing and an undercurrent of unresolved emotion, suggesting that the relationship may exist now only in memory. A standout literary device is the use of direct address to 'Yvonne', effectively involving the reader in the speaker's personal reminiscence. Overall, this poem is a poignant exploration of love and memory, rendered with a sense of delicate longing and a deep appreciation for nature's role in human experience.

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.