At Night

By Abram Joseph Ryan

Lyric Poem
        Dreary! weary!         Weary! dreary!     Sighs my soul this lonely night.         Farewell gladness!         Welcome sadness!     Vanished are my visions bright.         Stars are shining!         Winds are pining!     In the sky and o'er the sea;         Shine forever         Stars! but never     Can the starlight gladden me.         Stars! you nightly         Sparkle brightly,     Scattered o'er your azure dome;         While earth's turning,         There you're burning,     Beacons of a better home.         Stars! you brighten         And you lighten     Many a heart-grief here below;         But your gleaming         And your beaming     Cannot chase away my woe.         Stars! you're shining,         I am pining --     I am dark, but you are bright;         Hanging o'er me         And before me     Is a night you cannot light.         Night of sorrow,         Whose to-morrow     I may never, never see,         Till upon me         And around me     Dawns a bright eternity.         Winds! you're sighing,         And you're crying,     Like a mourner o'er a tomb;         Whither go ye,         Whither blow ye,     Wailing through the midnight gloom?         Chanting lowly,         Softly, lowly,     Like the voice of one in woe;         Winds so lonely,         Why thus moan ye?     Say, what makes you sorrow so?         Are you grieving         For your leaving     Scenes where all is fair and gay?         For the flowers         In their bowers,     You have met with on your way?         For fond faces,         For dear places,     That you've seen as on you swept?         Are you sighing,         Are you crying,     O'er the memories they have left?         Earth is sleeping         While you're sweeping     Through night's solemn silence by;         On forever,         Pausing never --     How I love to hear you sigh!         Men are dreaming,         Stars are gleaming     In the far-off heaven's blue;         Bosom aching,         Musing, waking,     Midnight winds, I sigh with you!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a poignant exploration of solitude, melancholy, and longing, characterized by a strong sense of cosmic insignificance amidst the grandeur of the universe. The consistent use of apostrophe, where the speaker directly addresses inanimate objects - in this case, the stars and the winds - imbues the poem with a conversational tone, despite its heavy themes. This direct address amplifies the speaker's sense of loneliness, as they seek understanding and companionship from the natural world, rather than fellow humans.

The poem's structure is marked by a rhythmic, almost chant-like repetition, which serves to mirror the speaker's persistent despair and longing. This repetition, combined with the vivid personification of the stars and winds, creates a haunting, almost ethereal atmosphere. The stars are depicted as distant, unchanging beacons of hope, while the winds are portrayed as fellow mourners, their sighs echoing the speaker's. Despite their beauty and constancy, however, the speaker acknowledges that neither can alleviate their sorrow. This acknowledgment presents a stark contrast to the romantic tradition of finding solace in nature, further emphasizing the poem's undercurrent of despair and existential angst. Through its contemplative tone, structured rhythm, and poignant use of personification and apostrophe, the poem effectively communicates a profound sense of loneliness and longing in an indifferent universe.

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.