The Night - Wind

By Emily Bronte

Lyric Poem
    In summer's mellow midnight,     A cloudless moon shone through     Our open parlour window,     And rose-trees wet with dew.     I sat in silent musing;     The soft wind waved my hair;     It told me heaven was glorious,     And sleeping earth was fair.     I needed not its breathing     To bring such thoughts to me;     But still it whispered lowly,     'How dark the woods would be!     'The thick leaves in my murmur     Are rustling like a dream,     And all their myriad voices     Instinct with spirit seem.'     I said, 'Go, gentle singer,     Thy wooing voice is kind:     But do not think its music     Has power to reach my mind.     'Play with the scented flower,     The young tree's supply bough,     And leave my human feelings     In their own course to flow.'     The wanderer would not heed me:     Its kiss grew warmer still:     'Oh Come!' it sighed so sweetly;     'I'll win thee 'gainst thy will.     'Were we not friends from childhood?     Have I not loved thee long?     As long as thou, the solemn night,     Whose silence wakes my song.     'And when thy heart is resting     Beneath the church-aisle stone,     I shall have time for mourning,     And thou for being alone.'

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a sublime exploration of nature and introspection, juxtaposing the external world with the internal realm of the speaker's thoughts and emotions. The motif of the night, with its gentle wind and moonlit landscape, sets a contemplative, serene, and slightly melancholic tone. The poem unfolds through an intimate dialogue between the speaker and the wind, a personification that adds a layer of mystique to the overall narrative.

Thematically, the poem deals with the interplay between the human consciousness and the natural world. While the speaker seems to resist the wind's attempts to sway their thoughts, there's a subtle acknowledgment of the influence nature has on human emotions and reflections. The speaker's assertion of their independence in thought is contrasted against the wind's insistence on its presence and influence, revealing a tension that is never fully resolved. The wind's final words, hinting at mortality and the inevitability of solitude, add a poignant touch, suggesting perhaps a broader meditation on the transience of life.

The structure of the poem, with its consistent rhyme scheme, provides a rhythmic flow that mimics the gentle sway of nature. The use of apostrophe, personification, and vivid imagery further enriches the poem, enabling the readers to experience the ethereal night and engage with the speaker's contemplation. The poem is an exquisite blend of the Romantic tradition of nature poetry with introspective musing, offering a thoughtful reflection on the symbiotic relationship between the outer world and the inner self.

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.