Wake Me a Song

By Abram Joseph Ryan

Lyric Poem
    Out of the silences wake me a song,      Beautiful, sad, and soft, and low;     Let the loveliest music sound along,      And wing each note with a wail of woe:         Dim and drear         As hope's last tear;     Out of the silences wake me a hymn,     Whose sounds are like shadows soft and dim.     Out of the stillness in your heart --      A thousand songs are sleeping there --     Wake me a song, thou child of art!      The song of a hope in a last despair:         Dark and low,         A chant of woe;     Out of the stillness, tone by tone,     Cold as a snowflake, low as a moan.     Out of the darkness flash me a song,      Brightly dark and darkly bright;     Let it sweep as a lone star sweeps along      The mystical shadows of the night:         Sing it sweet;     Where nothing is drear, or dark, or dim,     And earth-song soars into heavenly hymn.

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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 the human condition, specifically the interplay between hope and despair, light and darkness, and silence and song. The poet uses the metaphor of a song throughout the poem to symbolize the expressions of our deepest emotions, which are often awakened by the experiences of life. The tone of the poem is simultaneously melancholic and hopeful, reflecting the paradoxical nature of human emotion.

The poem is structured with a repetitive rhythm, echoing the sentiments of an invocation or a prayer. This lends a solemnity to the verses and reinforces the longing expressed in the poem. The poet's frequent use of oxymorons - "brightly dark and darkly bright", "beautiful, sad", and "hope's last tear" - serve to underline the complexity of emotions and the contradictions inherent in the human experience. The poem concludes on a hopeful note, with the transformation of an "earth-song" into a "heavenly hymn", suggesting the power of art to uplift and transcend our sorrows. The imagery of a lone star sweeping along the shadows of the night further emphasizes the theme of finding light within darkness. This piece is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of art to express, soothe, and transcend our deepest emotions.

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.