The Serenade

By Nathaniel Parker Willis

Lyric Poem
    Innocent dreams be thine! The silver night     Is a fit curtain for thy lovely sleep.     The stars keep watch above thee, and the moon     Sits like a brooding spirit up in Heaven,     Ruling the night's deep influences, and life     Hath a hushed pulse, and the suspended leaves     Sleep with their whisperings as if the dew     Were a soft finger on the lip of sound.     Innocent dreams be thine! thy heart sends up     Its thoughts of purity like pearly bells     Rising in crystal fountains, and the sin     That thou hast seen by day, will, like a shade,     Pass from thy memory, as if the pure     Had an unconscious ministry by night.     Midnight - and now for music! Would I were     A sound that I might steal upon thy dreams,     And, like the breathing of my flute, distil     Sweetly upon thy senses. Softly, boy!     Breathe the low cadences as if the words     Fainted upon thy lip - I would not break     Her slumber quite - but only, as she dreams,     Witch the lull'd sense till she believes she hears     Celestial melody: -

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem presents an elegantly drawn scene of night, focusing on themes of innocence, purity, and the transformative power of dreams. The poem's structure is organized into two stanzas, with the first acting as a benediction for the dreamer and the second taking a more active, musical role. The tone interweaves tranquility and a sense of longing, creating a serene yet poignant atmosphere.

The speaker uses personification and celestial imagery to depict the night as a nurturing force, with the stars and moon acting as guardians. The imagery of the "hushed pulse" of life and the "suspended leaves" sleeping conveys a sense of stillness, enhancing the peacefulness of the scene. The metaphor of thoughts as "pearly bells" rising in "crystal fountains" emphasizes the idea of purity and innocence, while the notion of sin passing "like a shade" suggests the redemptive quality of sleep and dreams.

The second stanza introduces a shift, as the speaker yearns to become a part of this idyllic dream-world through music. The personification of the flute's "breathing" and the words "fainting" on the lips infuse the scene with a gentle, almost ethereal quality. The speaker's desire to "witch the lull'd sense" with celestial melody underlines the poem's exploration of dreams as a bridge between the earthly and the divine. In this way, the poem becomes not just a celebration of innocence, but also an ode to the transformative power of art and imagination.

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.