The Poplar Tree on Karlsplatz

By Bertolt Brecht

Lyric Poem
There stands the poplar tree on Karlsplatz, In the evening light it looks so sad. The old tree is a living shadow, A reminder of a time long past. It has seen many years and many changes, Yet it stands in its place unchanged. But the world around it has shifted, And the city has moved on. The poplar tree on Karlsplatz Is a silent witness to the years. It has stood through wars and peace, Through joy and through tears. And as I pass it by in the evening, I think of the years gone by, And I know that one day the poplar Will fall, and I too will die.
Written: 1930-01-01

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline

Share the Love of Poetry
More Poems
More Lyric Poems
Daily Poem

Poem Details

Date Written: 1930-01-01
Date Published: 1930-01-01
Language: German
Keywords: Nature, Time, Change, Memory, Mortality
Source: Selected Poems
Publisher: Suhrkamp Verlag
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
A reflective poem that uses the imagery of an old poplar tree to explore themes of time, change, and mortality, recognizing the inevitability of both the tree's fall and the speaker's own death.

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.