In The Year That's Come And Gone

By William Ernest Henley

Lyric Poem
    In the year that's come and gone, love, his flying feather     Stooping slowly, gave us heart, and bade us walk together.     In the year that's coming on, though many a troth be broken,     We at least will not forget aught that love hath spoken.     In the year that's come and gone, dear, we wove a tether     All of gracious words and thoughts, binding two together.     In the year that's coming on with its wealth of roses     We shall weave it stronger, yet, ere the circle closes.     In the year that's come and gone, in the golden weather,     Sweet, my sweet, we swore to keep the watch of life together.     In the year that's coming on, rich in joy and sorrow,     We shall light our lamp, and wait life's mysterious morrow.     1877

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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 contemplative reflection on love over time, using the passing of years as a symbolic framework. The poet presents a balanced view of love’s evolution, underscoring both its endearing constancy and its inevitable change. This duality is captured in the repeated motif of "the year that's come and gone" and "the year that's coming on," hinting at the cyclical nature of love and life.

The poem's tone is both nostalgic and hopeful, with a steady rhythm that underscores the dependable passage of time. The use of the image of a "flying feather" in the first stanza introduces a lightness that contrasts with the weightier themes of love and commitment. The tether and the circle in the second stanza are symbols of unity and continuity, reinforcing the bond of the couple. The final stanza brings a sense of realism to the romance, acknowledging the blend of "joy and sorrow" in life, yet ends with an optimistic view of the future ("We shall light our lamp, and wait life's mysterious morrow"). The poet’s use of language is simple, yet imbued with depth and emotion, effectively conveying the enduring resonance of love.

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.