To My Mother

Author: William Ernest Henley

    Chiming a dream by the way
    With ocean's rapture and roar,
    I met a maiden to-day
    Walking alone on the shore:
    Walking in maiden wise,
    Modest and kind and fair,
    The freshness of spring in her eyes
    And the fulness of spring in her hair.

    Cloud-shadow and scudding sun-burst
    Were swift on the floor of the sea,
    And a mad wind was romping its worst,
    But what was their magic to me?
    Or the charm of the midsummer skies?
    I only saw she was there,
    A dream of the sea in her eyes
    And the kiss of the sea in her hair.

    I watched her vanish in space;
    She came where I walked no more;
    But something had passed of her grace
    To the spell of the wave and the shore;
    And now, as the glad stars rise,
    She comes to me, rosy and rare,
    The delight of the wind in her eyes
    And the hand of the wind in her hair.

    1872
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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: This poem, dated 1872, uses evocative language and vivid imagery to present a romantic, idealized portrayal of a maiden. The poem's theme is deeply rooted in the romantic tradition, focusing on love, nature, and the interplay between the two. The speaker is captivated by the maiden's beauty and innocence, and her image is repeatedly associated with elements of nature – the sea, the wind, the stars – which serve to heighten the sense of her purity and allure.

In terms of structure, the poem is composed of three stanzas, each presenting a different stage in the speaker’s encounter with the maiden: the initial meeting, the observation, and the aftermath. The use of rhymed couplets gives the poem a rhythmic, melodic quality that mirrors the music of the sea and the wind also present in the poem. The tone is one of wonder and admiration, and the speaker's voice is filled with reverence for the maiden and the natural world that surrounds her. The repetition of phrases like "the sea in her eyes" and "the wind in her hair" creates a hypnotic effect, reflecting the speaker's fascination. This poem is a lovely example of romantic poetry, with its emphasis on emotion, individual experience, and the sublime beauty of nature.

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.