Dedication Hymn

By Nathaniel Parker Willis

Lyric Poem
    The perfect world by Adam trod,     Was the first temple - built by God -     His fiat laid the corner stone,     And heav'd its pillars, one by one.     He hung its starry roof on high -     The broad illimitable sky;     He spread its pavement, green and bright,     And curtain'd it with morning light.     The mountains in their places stood -     The sea - the sky - and "all was good;"     And, when its first pure praises rang,     The "morning stars together sang."     Lord! 'tis not ours to make the sea     And earth and sky a house for thee;     But in thy sight our off'ring stands -     A humbler temple, "made with hands."

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

Create Image

Transform this poem into a beautiful shareable image

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

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem captures the grandeur and majesty of creation, presenting the natural world as a divine architect's masterpiece. The first three stanzas focus on the construction of this worldly temple, using vivid imagery and metaphorical language to depict the act of creation as a monumental architectural feat. The tone is reverential, expressing awe and admiration for the divine power responsible for such splendor. The poet effectively uses a biblical allusion to the 'morning stars' singing together, enhancing the poem's spiritual resonance.

The final stanza shifts the perspective from God's creation to human humility and devotion. The speaker acknowledges the inability of humans to create something as magnificent as nature, but asserts that their humble efforts are still valued by the divine. This creates a profound contrast between the divine and mortal capabilities, highlighting the theme of human insignificance in the face of divine grandeur. The poem's structure, with its consistent rhyme scheme and meter, adds to its orderly representation of creation, mirroring the precision and harmony of the universe. The phrase "made with hands" stands out as a poignant reminder of human limitations and the miraculous nature of divine creation.

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.