Discrimination

Author: Nathaniel Parker Willis

    I used to love a radiant girl - 
        Her lips were like a rose leaf torn;
    Her heart was as free as a floating curl,
        Or a breeze at morn;
    Her step as light as a Peri's daughter,
    And her eye as soft as gliding water.

    Witching thoughts like things half hid
        Lurk'd beneath her silken lashes,
    And a modest droop of the veined lid
        Oft hid their flashes - 
    But to me the charm was more complete
    As the blush stole up its fringe to meet.

    Paint me love as a honey bee!
        Rosy mouths are things to sip;
    Nothing was ever so sweet to me
        As Marion's lip - 
    Till I learned that a deeper magic lies
    In kissing the lids of her closed eyes.

    Her sweet brow I seldom touch,
        Save to part her raven hair;
    Her bright cheek I gaze on much,
        Her white hand is fair;
    But none of these - I've tried them all - 
    Is like kissing her eyes as the lashes fall.
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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 vividly captures the tender and passionate affection that the speaker holds for a woman, presumably named Marion. The first two stanzas present her as an enchanting figure, with an emphasis on her natural beauty and charm. The use of metaphors such as "Her lips were like a rose leaf torn" and "Her heart was as free as a floating curl" lends an ethereal quality to her character, painting her as both delicate and untamed. The theme of enchantment is further emphasized through the speaker's fascination with her gaze, which is depicted as mysterious and mesmerizing, hinting at a depth of character beneath her physical allure.

The tone of the poem shifts in the third and fourth stanzas from an admiration of Marion's physical beauty to a more intimate exploration of the speaker's love for her. The speaker compares love to a honey bee, an image that suggests both sweetness and potential pain, perhaps indicating a complexity to their relationship. As the speaker moves from kissing Marion's lips to her closed eyes and then to her falling lashes, there's a sense of growing intimacy and depth in their connection. The speaker's affection isn't merely tied to her physical attributes - it's the deeper, more subtle aspects of her being that truly captivate him. The poem's structure, which moves from initial infatuation to deeper love, mirrors this progression in the speaker's affection. Overall, this poem is a poignant exploration of love that moves beyond physical attraction to celebrate the intimate connection between two souls.

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.