Hope

Author: Abram Joseph Ryan

    Thine eyes are dim:
     A mist hath gathered there;
    Around their rim
     Float many clouds of care,
     And there is sorrow every -- everywhere.

    But there is God,
     Every -- everywhere;
    Beneath His rod
     Kneel thou adown in prayer.

    For grief is God's own kiss
     Upon a soul.
    Look up! the sun of bliss
     Will shine where storm-clouds roll.

    Yes, weeper, weep!
     'Twill not be evermore;
    I know the darkest deep
     Hath e'en the brightest shore.

    So tired! so tired!
     A cry of half despair;
    Look! at your side --
     And see Who standeth there!

    Your Father! Hush!
     A heart beats in His breast;
    Now rise and rush
     Into His arms -- and rest.
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Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: The poem presents a profound exploration of the human condition, grappling with themes of sorrow, divine comfort, and eventual redemption. The tone is both somber and hopeful, reflecting the speaker's journey from despair to reassured faith.

The structure of the poem plays a significant role in its narrative progression. Starting with a depiction of weary, clouded eyes, the poem moves through stages of grief, prayer, and divine comfort, before finding rest in the arms of a compassionate deity. The recurring use of dashes and ellipses serve to highlight the speaker's emotional intensity, while also adding a rhythmical pause that underscores the poem's reflective nature.

The poet's use of metaphors and imagery is particularly notable. The image of misty, clouded eyes not only conveys the speaker's sorrow but also serves as a metaphor for a blurred perspective on life, which eventually clears up with divine intervention. The sun, storm-clouds, and shore are used metaphorically to represent bliss, trials, and triumph respectively, and these natural elements add a universal quality to the speaker's personal experience.

Overall, the poem is an eloquent expression of the human struggle with sorrow and the comforting promise of divine solace. It encourages readers to view their trials as temporary and to find hope and rest in the divine.

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.