The Shepherd's Sang

By Violet Jacob

Lyric Poem
The sheep are in the fauld, An' the kye are on the lea, But the bonnie shepherd's gane, An' I'll see him nae mair, nae mair, The nicht is gaun tae fa', The mune is risin' still, But the bonnie shepherd's gane, An' the warld is lone an' chill. It's the sang that the shepherd made, That aye my hert will break, For it's fu' o' a' the things that gaed, An' it's fu' o' the love I'd take. But the shepherd's awa', awa', An' the hert it braks in twa, For the love that's gane, the love that's gane, An' the shepherd ower the brae.
Written: 1919-08-01

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Poem Details

Date Written: 1919-08-01
Language: Scots
Keywords: Shepherd, Loss, Love, Nature, Scotland
Source: Collected Poems of Violet Jacob
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
A poignant poem about a shepherd's departure, symbolizing the loss of love and the desolation it leaves behind.

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.