Dreamland

By Abram Joseph Ryan

Lyric Poem
     Over the silent sea of sleep,         Far away! far away!      Over a strange and starlit deep         Where the beautiful shadows sway;         Dim in the dark,         Glideth a bark,     Where never the waves of a tempest roll --     Bearing the very "soul of a soul",         Alone, all alone --      Far away -- far away         To shores all unknown      In the wakings of the day;     To the lovely land of dreams,     Where what is meets with what seems     Brightly dim, dimly bright;     Where the suns meet stars at night,     Where the darkness meets the light         Heart to heart, face to face,         In an infinite embrace.          *    *    *    *    *         Mornings break,         And we wake,      And we wonder where we went         In the bark         Thro' the dark,      But our wonder is misspent;     For no day can cast a light     On the dreamings of the night.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is an exploration of the mysterious realm of dreams, serving as a metaphorical voyage into the subconscious. The dream state is depicted as an unknown "starlit deep" where the known and unknown, reality and illusion, light and darkness merge seamlessly. The poem is steeped in a serene, mystical tone, with a sense of longing and curiosity.

The structure of the poem, with its alternating line lengths and rhythmic repetition, evokes the ebb and flow of a sea voyage, mirroring the journey into dreamland. The repetition of "far away" and "alone, all alone" amplifies the sense of distance and solitude inherent in this personal, internal voyage. The poet uses contrast effectively, placing opposites like "what is meets with what seems" and "suns meet stars at night" next to each other, reflecting the dream world's paradoxical nature.

The final stanza brings a note of gentle disillusionment. Here, the poem shifts from the ethereal dream world to the stark reality of waking life, highlighting the unbridgeable gap between the two. Despite our attempts to understand or remember our dreams, they remain elusive, unilluminated by the "day". This poem masterfully captures the enigmatic allure of dreams, their indistinct and fleeting nature, and the human fascination with what lies beyond the reach of our conscious minds.

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.