1915

By Robert von Ranke Graves

Lyric Poem
    I've watched the Seasons passing slow, so slow,     In the fields between La Bassée and Bethune;     Primroses and the first warm day of Spring,     Red poppy floods of June,     August, and yellowing Autumn, so     To Winter nights knee-deep in mud or snow,     And you've been everything.     Dear, you've been everything that I most lack     In these soul-deadening trenches, pictures, books,     Music, the quiet of an English wood,     Beautiful comrade-looks,     The narrow, bouldered mountain-track,     The broad, full-bosomed ocean, green and black,     And Peace, and all that's good.

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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 longing and nostalgia of a soldier, presumably in the trenches of World War I, for the simple, peaceful pleasures of home and nature. The poet employs the cyclical structure of the four seasons to reflect the passing of time, each season symbolizing different aspects of the world the soldier misses. The vivid imagery - "Primroses and the first warm day of Spring, / Red poppy floods of June" - serves to contrast the beauty of nature with the harsh reality of war.

The tone of the poem is melancholic and reflective, with the speaker expressing a deep yearning for the 'other' - a loved one, peace, and the comforts of home. This longing is expressed through the refrain, "And you've been everything." Here, 'you' seems to symbolize both a specific person and the various elements of life that the soldier lacks in the trenches, including tranquility, beauty, and companionship. The effective use of enjambment, especially in the final lines, amplifies the sense of longing and unfulfilled desire. The poem is a poignant exploration of the human cost of war, showing how it strips away not just life, but the everyday joys and pleasures that make life worth living.

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.