The Vanity of All Worldly Things

Author: Anne Bradstreet

As he said vanity, so vain say I,
Oh! Vanity, O vain all under sky.
Where is the treasure, pleasure, and repose,
Where is the peace, joy, and where are the riches?
Of our forefathers' lives of vanished bliss?
From their clear glass we can clearly see
The lustre of their glory to be,
Just an empty name, and many years gone by,
Proclaim the vanity of their bold lie.
The last and perfect joy on earth was passed,
Ere I could say the Joys of Earth are past.
And that last joy and glory of man,
More frail than vanity itself, is gone.
And it alone from us far away,
Can now our weeping eyes and tongues convey,
To Heaven above, and to the great unknown,
Leaving us miserable all alone.
Send via Email Share via WhatsApp Share on X

Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written: 1678-01-01

Date Published: 1678-05-01

Language: English

Keywords: Vanity, Worldly Things, Mortality, Emptiness, Reflection

Source: The Works of Anne Bradstreet

Publisher: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: A poem reflecting on the vanity and emptiness of worldly things, urging a focus on the eternal and the spiritual over the transient pleasures of life.

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.