High Waving Heather 'neath Stormy Blasts Bending

Author: Emily Bronte

    High waving heather 'neath stormy blasts bending,
    Midnight and moonlight and bright shining stars,
    Darkness and glory rejoicingly blending,
    Earth rising to heaven and heaven descending,
    Man's spirit away from its drear dungeon sending,
    Bursting the fetters and breaking the bars.

    All down the mountain sides wild forests lending
    One mighty voice to the life-giving wind,
    Rivers their banks in their jubilee rending,
    Fast through the valleys a reckless course wending,
    Wider and deeper their waters extending,
    Leaving a desolate desert behind.

    Shining and lowering and swelling and dying,
    Changing forever from midnight to noon;
    Roaring like thunder, like soft music sighing,
    Shadows on shadows advancing and flying,
    Lighning-bright flashes the deep gloom defying,
    Coming as swiftly and fading as soon.
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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 presents a robust, dynamic vision of nature, contrasting the struggles and triumphs of the human spirit. The poet's use of powerful, vivid imagery creates a world where natural elements are not only active participants but also metaphoric representations of human emotions and experiences. Phrases like 'high waving heather,' 'stormy blasts,' and 'bright shining stars' contribute to a tone of awe and reverence for the natural world, while also subtly reflecting the turbulent, ever-changing nature of human life.

The poem follows a rhythmic structure that echoes the cyclical, relentless movement of nature and time. This is emphasized by the repeated use of gerund verbs ('bending,' 'rending,' 'extending'), which create a sense of ongoing, unstoppable action. The theme of liberation is particularly prominent in the first stanza, with 'man's spirit' breaking free from its 'drear dungeon'—a metaphor for overcoming personal struggles.

Additionally, the poem employs the juxtaposition of contrasting images and sensations—darkness and glory, roaring thunder and soft music, advancing and flying shadows—to underscore the inherent dualities of existence. The final lines, with their 'lightning-bright flashes' swiftly coming and fading, reinforce the transient nature of life and human achievements, a reminder of the ever-present cycle of creation and destruction, beginnings and ends.

Overall, the poem is a compelling portrayal of the human experience mirrored in the natural world, a celebration of resilience, freedom, and the enduring beauty of both nature and the spirit.

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.