A Flower's Song

By Abram Joseph Ryan

Lyric Poem
    Star! Star, why dost thou shine      Each night upon my brow?     Why dost thou make me dream the dreams      That I am dreaming now?     Star! Star, thy home is high --      I am of humble birth;     Thy feet walk shining o'er the sky,      Mine, only on the earth.     Star! Star, why make me dream?      My dreams are all untrue;     And why is sorrow dark for me      And heaven bright for you?     Star! Star, oh, hide thy ray,      And take it off my face;     Within my lowly home I stay,      Thou, in thy lofty place.     Star! Star, and still I dream,      Along thy light afar     I seem to soar until I seem      To be, like you, a star.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem lays bare the human condition of aspiration and longing, juxtaposing the humble life of an earth-bound human with the incredible, unreachable beauty of a star. The repeated invocation of the word "Star!" in each stanza not only emphasizes the speaker's sense of awe and longing, but also establishes a rhythmic pattern that underscores the poem's plaintive tone.

The poem's structure, with its repeated questions, conveys a sense of yearning curiosity, with the speaker constantly questioning why the star shines on them, why it prompts dreams, and why their reality is so starkly different from the star's brightness. It's a compelling exploration of the dichotomy between the ideal and the real, the celestial and the terrestrial. The use of "dost" and "thou" adds a touch of archaic language, contributing to the poem's tone of timeless longing.

The final stanza offers a twist, suggesting that even in the face of unattainable dreams and unreachable heights, the speaker finds a sense of kinship and inspiration in the star, dreaming of soaring and becoming a star themselves. This shifts the overall tone from one of despair to a more hopeful note, suggesting that dreams, even when they seem unreal or impossible, can provide a sense of purpose and inspiration.

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.