Singing-Bird

By Abram Joseph Ryan

Lyric Poem
    In the valley of my life      Sings a "Singing-Bird",     And its voice thro' calm and strife      Is sweetly heard.     In the day and thro' the night      Sound the notes,     And its song thro' dark and bright      Ever floats.     Other warblers cease to sing,      And their voices rest,     And they fold their weary wing      In their quiet nest.     But my Singing-Bird still sings      Without a cease;     And each song it murmurs brings      My spirit peace.     "Singing-Bird!" O "Singing-Bird!"      No one knows,     When your holy songs are heard,      What repose     Fills my life and soothes my heart;      But I fear     The day -- thy songs, if we must part,      I'll never hear.     But "Singing-Bird!" ah! "Singing-Bird!"      Should this e'er be,     The dreams of all thy songs I heard      Shall sing for me.

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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 exquisite exploration of themes such as resilience, hope, peace, and the fear of loss, conveyed through the metaphor of a "Singing-Bird". The bird's consistent song, prevailing through both "calm and strife", day and night, darkness and brightness, serves as a symbol of constancy and resilience. This resilient song offers the speaker solace and tranquility, highlighting the poem's central theme of hope and peace.

The structure of the poem, consistent in its rhyming ABAB scheme, reflects the continuity and steadiness of the bird's song, further emphasizing these themes. The tone is both appreciative and contemplative, with a slight edge of melancholy, particularly in the latter part of the poem where the speaker expresses fear of losing the bird's song.

The poet masterfully employs various literary devices, with repetition standing out. The repeated invocation of the "Singing-Bird!" gives the poem a hymn-like quality, adding depth to the speaker's reverence and emotional attachment to the bird. The use of personification, attributing the bird with qualities like singing 'holy songs', enhances the spiritual and soothing influence the bird has on the speaker. Lastly, the poet's use of imagery, especially in the last two lines, leaves the reader with a lasting impression of the poem's themes and the comforting presence of the "Singing-Bird".

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.