Dreaming

By Abram Joseph Ryan

Lyric Poem
    The moan of a wintry soul      Melted into a summer song,     And the words, like the wavelet's roll,      Moved murmuringly along.     And the song flowed far and away,      Like the voice of a half-sleeping rill --     Each wave of it lit by a ray --      But the sound was so soft and so still,     And the tone was so gentle and low,      None heard the song till it had passed;     Till the echo that followed its flow      Came dreamingly back from the past.     'Twas too late! -- a song never returns      That passes our pathway unheard;     As dust lying dreaming in urns      Is the song lying dead in a word.     For the birds of the skies have a nest,      And the winds have a home where they sleep,     And songs, like our souls, need a rest,      Where they murmur the while we may weep.          *    *    *    *    *     But songs -- like the birds o'er the foam,      Where the storm wind is beating their breast,     Fly shoreward -- and oft find a home      In the shelter of words where they rest.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem presents a beautiful exploration of the impermanence and fragility of human expression, encapsulated in the metaphor of a song. The tone throughout is one of melancholic longing, layered with a sense of the ephemeral nature of experience and sentiment. The poet's use of nature imagery—waves, birds, winds—lends a sense of universality to the poem's themes and adds a depth of emotion to the work.

The poem follows a consistent structure, maintaining a rhythmic flow through the use of consistent rhyming schemes. This mirrors the 'wavelet's roll' and the 'flow' of the song, providing a sense of continuity and fluidity. The poet's use of alliteration and assonance, such as 'murmuringly along' and 'soft and so still', contributes to the gentle, lulling rhythm that is central to the poem's feel. The imagery of a song as a sentient being, needing rest and shelter, adds to the overall melancholic tone and the theme of transience. The concluding lines reinforce the idea of songs (and by extension, emotions and expressions) seeking refuge in words, suggesting that while experiences may be fleeting, their essence can be captured and sheltered in the language of poetry.

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.