Author: Robert Herrick
When I a verse shall make, Know I have prayed thee, For old religion's sake, Saint Ben to aid me. Make the way smooth for me, When I, thy Herrick, Honouring thee, on my knee Offer my lyric. Candles I'll give to thee, And a new altar, And thou, Saint Ben, shalt be Writ in my psalter.
Type of Poem: Lyric Poem
Date Written: 1648-01-01
Date Published: 1648-05-01
Language: English
Keywords: Ben Jonson, Prayer, Inspiration, Poetry, Devotion
Source: Hesperides
Publisher: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Comments/Notes: A poem in which Herrick offers a prayer to his literary idol, Ben Jonson, seeking inspiration and guidance in his own poetic endeavors.
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.