The Solitary

By Nathaniel Parker Willis

Lyric Poem
    Alone! alone! How drear it is         Always to be alone!     In such a depth of wilderness,         The only thinking one!     The waters in their path rejoice,         The trees together sleep -     But I have not one silver voice         Upon my ear to creep!     The sun upon the silent hills         His mesh of beauty weaves,     There's music in the laughing rills         And in the whispering leaves.     The red deer like the breezes fly         To meet the bounding roe,     But I have not a human sigh         To cheer me as I go.     I've hated men - I hate them now -         But, since they are not here,     I thirst for the familiar brow -         Thirst for the stealing tear.     And I should love to see the one,         And feel the other creep,     And then again I'd be alone         Amid the forest deep.     I thought that I should love my hound,         And hear my cracking gun     Till I forgot the thrilling sound         Of voices - one by one.     I thought that in the leafy hush         Of nature, they would die;     But, as the hindered waters rush,         Resisted feelings fly     I'm weary of my lonely hut         And of its blasted tree,     The very lake is like my lot,         So silent constantly.     I've lived amid the forest gloom         Until I almost fear -     When will the thrilling voices come         My spirit thirsts to hear?

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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 solitude, longing, and the human condition. The author employs a melancholic tone to delve into deep emotional territories, using the theme of isolation as a backbone for the narrative. The speaker is alone, longing for human connection while paradoxically expressing a disdain for mankind. This conflict gives the poem a sense of depth, adding layers to the speaker's emotional state.

The structure of the poem, with its steady meter, mirrors the consistency and monotony of the speaker's loneliness. The repetition of the word "alone" at the beginning emphasizes the depth of the speaker's solitude. The natural world is used as a contrast to the speaker's isolation - the rejoicing waters, sleeping trees, laughing rills, all evoke a sense of community and harmony that the speaker lacks. This use of nature as a juxtaposition to human loneliness is a powerful literary device, highlighting the speaker's profound isolation.

The poem also employs potent imagery, creating a vivid picture of the speaker's surroundings and emotional state. The "blasted tree," "silent hills," and "forest gloom" are particularly evocative, adding to the overall bleak and melancholic tone. The poem concludes on a note of anticipation and slight fear, with the speaker almost afraid of the arrival of the "thrilling voices" they long to hear. This ending leaves the reader with a sense of unease, mirroring the speaker's emotional turmoil.

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.