Author: Abijah M. Ide
I Beneath the vine-clad eaves, Whose shadows fall before Thy lowly cottage door Under the lilacs tremulous leaves, Within thy snowy clasped hand The purple flowers it bore. Last eve in dreams, I saw thee stand, Like queenly nymphs from Fairy-land, Enchantress of the flowery wand, Most beauteous Isadore! II And when I bade the dream Upon thy spirit flee, Thy violet eyes to me Upturned, did overflowing seem With the deep, untold delight Of Loves serenity; Thy classic brow, like lilies white And pale as the Imperial Night Upon her throne, with stars bedight, Enthralled my soul to thee! III Ah! ever I behold Thy dreamy, passionate eyes, Blue as the languid skies Hung with the sunsets fringe of gold; Now strangely clear thine image grows, And olden memories Are startled from their long repose Like shadows on the silent snows When suddenly the night-wind blows Where quiet moonlight ties. IV Like music heard in dreams, Like strains of harps unknown, Of birds forever flown Audible as the voice of streams That murmur in some leafy dell, I hear thy gentlest tone, And Silence cometh with her spell Like that which on my tongue doth dwell, When tremulous in dreams I tell My love to thee alone! V In every valley heard, Floating from tree to tree, Less beautiful to, me, The music of the radiant bird, Than artless accents such as thine Whose echoes never flee! Ah! how for thy sweet voice I pine: For uttered in thy tones benign (Enchantress!) this rude name of mine Doth seem a melody!
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 a rich tapestry of romantic imagery, classical allusion, and fervent emotion. The central themes revolve around love, beauty, and nature, all of which are intertwined and expressed through the persona's longing for a woman named Isadore.
The poem's structure is well-organized and features five stanzas, each with a unique focus but contributing to the overall narrative. The first stanza introduces Isadore, presenting her in a picturesque setting, almost fairy-tale-like in its charm. The second stanza continues to extol her beauty, while the third and fourth stanzas delve deeper into the persona's intense feelings for her, using metaphors of nature and music to convey his emotions. Finally, the fifth stanza expresses the persona's longing for Isadore's voice, revealing a sense of melancholy and longing.
The tone of the poem consistently stays fervent and passionate, capturing the persona's ardent love for Isadore. One of the standout literary devices is the use of vivid imagery—whether describing the settings, Isadore, or the persona's emotions, the poet utilizes rich, evocative descriptions that transport the reader into the poem's world. Similarly, the use of similes and metaphors—such as comparing Isadore's eyes to "violet skies" or her voice to "music heard in dreams"—not only enhances the poetic beauty but also effectively conveys the persona's deep admiration for Isadore.
Overall, the poem serves as a deeply romantic ode, celebrating the beauty of love, nature, and longing in a manner both heartfelt and aesthetically pleasing.
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.