If It Should Come To Be

By William Ernest Henley

Lyric Poem
    If it should come to be,     This proof of you and me,     This type and sign     Of hours that smiled and shone,     And yet seemed dead and gone     As old-world wine:     Of Them Within the Gate     Ask we no richer fate,     No boon above,     For girl child or for boy,     My gift of life and joy,     Your gift of love.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem presents a poignant exploration of love, life, and the passage of time. It employs a contemplative tone, manifesting as a philosophical musing on personal relationships and the enduring impact they create. The opening lines, "If it should come to be, / This proof of you and me," set a speculative tone that suggests the poem is a reflection on potential outcomes or possibilities.

The structure of the poem, with its regular rhyme scheme and rhythm, provides a sense of stability and continuity, reinforcing the enduring nature of love and life. The use of phrases like "This type and sign" and "My gift of life and joy, / Your gift of love" effectively encapsulate the reciprocal, mutual nature of love, while the metaphor "as old-world wine" provides a sense of richness, maturity, and depth to the experiences shared.

The recurring theme of time, particularly in the line "Of hours that smiled and shone, / And yet seemed dead and gone," captures the transient nature of moments, further emphasizing the value of shared experiences. This sentiment is echoed in the refrain "Of Them Within the Gate," which suggests a longing for the past or a desire to hold onto precious memories. This poem, therefore, beautifully captures the human desire to preserve and celebrate the love and joy found in personal relationships, despite the inevitability of time's passage.

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.