Fill A Glass With Golden Wine

By William Ernest Henley

Lyric Poem
    Fill a glass with golden wine,     And the while your lips are wet     Set their perfume unto mine,     And forget,     Every kiss we take and give     Leaves us less of life to live.     Yet again! Your whim and mine     In a happy while have met.     All your sweets to me resign,     Nor regret     That we press with every breath,     Sighed or singing, nearer death.     1875

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem, in its quiet beauty, speaks to themes of mortality, love, and the fleeting nature of pleasure. It is imbued with a melancholic, yet passionate tone, revealing the bittersweet transient moments of joy and intimacy. The structure of the poem, two sophisticated sextets, underscores the dichotomy of pleasure and the inevitable march towards death.

The first stanza begins with an image of shared wine, symbolizing shared experiences and the sensual pleasure of love. It then moves to a more somber note, reminding us that with each moment of pleasure, we approach the inevitable end of life. The second stanza mirrors the first, reiterating the intertwining of joy and mortality, but ending on a note that is arguably more defiant or accepting of this harsh reality.

Throughout the poem, the poet employs a number of literary devices to enrich the narrative. Metaphor is used powerfully to convey the intensity of shared experiences, while the use of repetition underscores the relentless passage of time. The poet's choice of language is also worth noting, with the use of words like 'sweets', 'sighed', 'singing', all contributing to the overall sensual, emotional atmosphere of the poem. All in all, this is a hauntingly beautiful piece that reflects on the fleeting, intertwined nature of life, love, and death.

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.