To W. B. - From The Brake The Nightingale

By William Ernest Henley

Lyric Poem
    From the brake the Nightingale     Sings exulting to the Rose;     Though he sees her waxing pale     In her passionate repose,     While she triumphs waxing frail,     Fading even while she glows;     Though he knows     How it goes -     Knows of last year's Nightingale     Dead with last year's Rose.     Wise the enamoured Nightingale,     Wise the well-beloved Rose!     Love and life shall still prevail,     Nor the silence at the close     Break the magic of the tale     In the telling, though it shows -     Who but knows     How it goes! -     Life a last year's Nightingale,     Love a last year's Rose.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem is a beautiful exploration of the themes of love, life, and the temporal nature of existence. The nightingale and the rose are the central symbols, embodying the dynamic relationship between passion and transience. The nightingale's song, despite the rose's inevitable decay, underscores the endurance of love and beauty even in the face of mortality.

The poem's structure, with its repeated refrain "How it goes," suggests a cyclical rhythm, echoing the natural cycles of life and death. This cyclical pattern is a reminder of continuity amidst change - a key theme in the poem. The tone is both melancholic and celebratory, recognizing the inevitability of loss while exulting in the present moment of beauty and love.

The poet's use of literary devices enhances the depth and emotional resonance of the poem. Alliteration, as seen in "wise the well-beloved Rose," lends a musical quality that mirrors the nightingale's song, while the personification of the nightingale and the rose adds an emotional dimension to the narrative, allowing the reader to engage with the themes on a more personal level. The combined effect is a poignant meditation on love, life, and loss, capturing the bittersweet beauty of existence.

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.