The Skies Are Strown With Stars

By William Ernest Henley

    The skies are strown with stars,     The streets are fresh with dew     A thin moon drifts to westward,     The night is hushed and cheerful.     My thought is quick with you.     Near windows gleam and laugh,     And far away a train     Clanks glowing through the stillness:     A great content's in all things,     And life is not in vain.     1877

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:
This poem beautifully interweaves themes of nature, introspection and optimism, presented in a simple, unstructured format. The poet uses vivid imagery to convey the tranquility of the night, depicting stars, dew-freshened streets, and a drifting moon. These elements create a serene atmosphere, setting the stage for the poet's reflections.

The poem's tone is primarily one of contentment and hope. The poet seems to find solace in the night's stillness, as stated in the lines "The night is hushed and cheerful" and "My thought is quick with you." These lines suggest a deep connection between the poet's inner thoughts and the peaceful night, hinting at a sense of harmony and satisfaction. This theme is further reinforced by the line "A great content's in all things," implying a profound appreciation of life's simple pleasures.

Moreover, the poem employs various literary devices. The personification in "Near windows gleam and laugh" and the onomatopoeic "clanks" add depth to the imagery, making the scenes more vivid and tangible. These elements, combined with the poem's overall positive sentiment, contribute to its power to evoke feelings of calm and comfort, and its message that "life is not in vain" leaves the reader with a reassuring sense of optimism. Overall, this poem successfully communicates its themes through its effective use of imagery, tone, and language.

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.