The Wind Was Rough Which Tore

By Emily Bronte

    The wind was rough which tore     That leaf from its parent tree     The fate was cruel which bore     The withering corpse to me     We wander on we have no rest     It is a dreary way     What shadow is it     That ever moves before [my] eyes     It has a brow of ghostly whiteness

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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 poignant exploration of life's hardships, loss, and the inevitability of mortality. The themes of nature and death are woven together to create a stark and haunting narrative. The wind tearing the leaf from its parent tree serves as a powerful metaphor for the cruel separation of death, while the withering corpse presents a stark image of the end of life, effectively conveying the harsh reality of our mortality.

The poem's tone is one of solemn resignation and melancholy. The line "We wander on we have no rest" encapsulates a sense of relentless, inexorable movement through life's challenges and trials. The structure of the poem, with its shorter sentences and abrupt lines, reinforces this feeling of restlessness and unease. The recurring imagery of shadows and ghostly whiteness introduces an element of the supernatural, adding a layer of eeriness to the overall somber mood. The poem employs these various literary devices to express a profound sense of loss, struggle, and the relentless march of time, effectively arousing empathy and contemplation in the reader.

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.