Author: A. H. Laidlaw
As I stroll by the stream where you stray, A beam is reflected afar, Which seems, on the waters, a ray - The ray from a luminous star. What is it that sweetens my sight, That lightens the leaf-burthened skies? What is it, my Love, but the light, - The light of your beautiful eyes? As nearer and nearer I roam, In the month of the rosy-mouthed June, What is it that throws round your home The mirage of the mystical moon? What is it that softens my sight, That mellows the marvellous skies? What is it, my Love, but the light, - The light of your beautiful eyes? As I gaze on the girl of my love, My ravishing, radiant one, There seems to shower light from above, And I look for the summer-time sun. What is it that dazzles my sight, That rivals the roseate skies? What is it, my Love, but the light, - The light of your beautiful eyes?
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 poem is beautifully structured in three stanzas with consistent rhyme scheme, using natural elements as metaphors to depict the speaker's romantic fascination. It is awash with the theme of love, which is enhanced by the use of rich, vivid imagery. The tone is tender and infatuated, painting an intimate portrait of the subject's captivating allure.
The poet employs metaphors and similes throughout, comparing the beloved's eyes to a star, the moon, and the sun, all of which are traditional symbols of beauty and purity. This recurring motif creates a strong sense of the speaker's enchantment. The repetition of the line, "What is it, my Love, but the light, - The light of your beautiful eyes?" further underscores the speaker's deep infatuation. The rhythm and rhyme enhance the poem's musical quality, making it an enchanting read. It is a classic ode to beauty, capturing the transcendent 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.