The Dying Soldier To The Nightingale

By A. H. Laidlaw

Lyric Poem
    I plead with tears to thee,     Sweet warbler of the shade,     Breathe not such strains to me,     The sweetest ever made.     Who bade thee slight my woes?     Who taught to pierce my heart?     Leave me to death's repose,     Depart, sweet bird, depart.     Still come, with every strain,     Warm dreams of woeless days;     Still beam, on life's past plain,     Love's long lost golden rays,     That gleam on forms gone by,     On friends I called my own,     Who calmly rest, while I,     Wild wandering, weep alone.     But if thou still must sing,     Sing of my endless woes,     Of Life, a poisoned spring,     Of Love, a scattered rose;     Wail-warble those who weep,     Wild-warble but the brave;     To the wearied, sing of sleep,     And sing, to me, the grave.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This is a deeply poignant piece that explores themes of loss, grief, and longing, with a touch of stoicism in the face of despair. The poet communicates these feelings through the persona of a speaker addressing a bird - a common symbol of nature, freedom, and often, in poetry, a messenger. This bird sings beautiful songs which paradoxically bring pain to the speaker due to their reminder of happier, now distant times.

The poem's structure, comprised of four quatrains, is orderly, which contrasts with the emotional turmoil expressed within it. This could reflect the speaker's attempt to impose structure and coherence on their overwhelming feelings. The poem's tone is melancholic and resigned, with the speaker pleading with the bird in the beginning, but gradually shifting to the acceptance and even the request of a dirge at the end.

One standout literary device is the use of alliteration, such as in "Wild-warble but the brave", which adds a musical quality that mirrors the bird's song, while also emphasizing the speaker's anguish. There is also strong usage of imagery and metaphors, such as "Life, a poisoned spring" and "Love, a scattered rose", which vividly convey the speaker's jaded outlook. Overall, the poem is a touching portrayal of grief, loneliness, and the yearning for solace in the face of sorrow.

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.