To Helen In A Huff

By Nathaniel Parker Willis

Lyric Poem
    Nay, lady, one frown is enough     In a life as soon over as this,     And though minutes seem long in a huff,     Theyre minutes tis pity to miss!     The smiles you imprison so lightly     Are reckond, like days in eclipse;     And though you may smile again brightly,     Youve lost so much light from your lips!     Pray, lady, smile!     The cup that is longest untasted     May be with our bliss running oer,     And, love when we will, we have wasted     An age in not loving before!     Perchance Cupids forging a fetter     To tie us together some day,     And, just for the chance, we had better     Be laying up love, I should say!     Nay, lady, smile!

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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 passionate appeal to enjoy the fleeting moments of life, particularly those filled with love and happiness. The themes of temporality and love are skillfully intertwined, encapsulated in the plea for the lady to refrain from wasting time in displeasure and instead embrace love and joy. The use of vivid imagery ("days in eclipse," "light from your lips") lends the poem a sense of immediacy and emotive power.

The structure of the poem is relatively straightforward, with an ABAB rhyme scheme in each stanza, yet the effortless flow of the lines adds to the overall charm of the piece. The conversational tone, interspersed with the poet's exhortations ("Pray, lady, smile!" "Nay, lady, smile!"), creates an intimate, persuasive atmosphere. The repeated invocation to smile serves as both a plea and a reminder of the ephemeral nature of life and the importance of cherishing its joyful moments. The metaphor of Cupid's forging a fetter also stands out, symbolizing love as a bond that binds us together. The poet's advice to "lay up love" further emphasizes the need to accumulate happy memories and experiences for the uncertain future. This poem is a beautiful exploration of the urgency of love and the evanescence of time.

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.