From A Window In Princes Street - To M. M. M'B

Author: William Ernest Henley

    Above the Crags that fade and gloom
    Starts the bare knee of Arthur's Seat;
    Ridged high against the evening bloom,
    The Old Town rises, street on street;
    With lamps bejewelled, straight ahead,
    Like rampired walls the houses lean,
    All spired and domed and turreted,
    Sheer to the valley's darkling green;
    Ranged in mysterious disarray,
    The Castle, menacing and austere,
    Looms through the lingering last of day;
    And in the silver dusk you hear,
    Reverberated from crag and scar,
    Bold bugles blowing points of war.
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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 is a vivid, atmospheric exploration of a cityscape, presumably Edinburgh, given the reference to Arthur's Seat and the Old Town. The theme primarily revolves around the juxtaposition of the natural world and the man-made environment, exploring the contrast and interplay between the two. The city not only coexists with the natural world but also seems to be in a dynamic, spirited conversation with it, suggesting an intertwining of the human and the natural.

The tone of the poem is both sombre and majestic, capturing the awe-inspiring grandeur of the city and its historical weight. It is rich with imagery and uses a variety of literary devices including personification, metaphor, and alliteration. The 'bare knee of Arthur's Seat' and the 'menacing' castle are personified, lending an animate quality to these inanimate features. The structure of the poem is also noticeable, with its rhythmic flow and consistent rhyme scheme, which lend a musical quality to the narrative. The 'bold bugles blowing points of war' provide a fitting finale, adding a note of drama and historical resonance to this evocative portrait of the city.

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.