Author: A. H. Laidlaw
Fare thee well, O Love of Woman! Lip of Beauty, fare thee well! Thy soft heart, divinely human, Holds me by a magic spell. All that grieves me now to perish Is the loss of one bright eye, And I still the vision cherish While I lay me down to die. At my headstone, kindly kneeling, May I beg a votive tear? Woman, with her pure appealing, Is my angel at the bier. Let me have but one such linger, Praying Christ to help and save, Let me have but one dear finger Place a chaplet on my grave. Though the soldier dies in dying, The true lover never dies; Upward, from his embers flying, He transfigures in the skies. Heaven is rare, but Love is rarer, Whether it be blest or crost; Heaven blooms fair, but Love blooms fairer, But, O God, at what a cost! Fare thee well, O Love of Woman! Lip of Beauty, fare thee well! Thy soft heart, divinely human, Holds me by a magic spell. All that grieves me now to perish Is the loss of one bright eye, And I still the vision cherish While I lay me down to die.
Type of Poem: Lyric Poem
Date Written:
Date Published:
Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher:
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Comments/Notes: This hauntingly beautiful poem presents an exploration of love, mortality, and the transcendent power of the human spirit. It is deeply rooted in the themes of unrequited love and the longing for eternal connection. The recurring refrain, "Fare thee well, O Love of Woman!" speaks to a profound sense of loss and longing. The poet's use of anaphora strengthens this sense of yearning and lends a musical quality to the verse, while the repeated imagery of the "one bright eye" lends a personal and intimate tone to the poem.
Narratively, the poem oscillates between the present of the speaker's impending death and the past of his passionate love. The soldier metaphor in the third stanza underlines the theme of sacrifice and the pain of love, emphasizing that true love is an ongoing battle, even after death. The speaker's request for a woman's tear and a chaplet on his grave symbolizes his desire for remembrance and emotional connection even in death.
The structure of the poem, with its rhythmic and rhyming quatrains, adds a sense of mourning and solemnity. The language is rich, evocative yet accessible, painting a vivid picture of the inner turmoil of a man at the end of his life, reflecting on love and loss.
A notable literary device used is the paradox in the line "Heaven is rare, but Love is rarer," which speaks to the rarity and preciousness of true love, even surpassing the value of heaven. The poem concludes with a chilling reminder of the cost of love, leaving readers with a lingering sense of melancholy and introspection.
Overall, this poem offers a poignant commentary on the human condition, the ephemerality of life, and the enduring power of love.
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.