A-Roving

By Victor James Daley

Lyric Poem
    When the sap runs up the tree.     And the vine runs oer the wall,     When the blossom draws the bee,     From the forest comes a call,     Wild, and clear, and sweet, and strange,     Many-tongued and murmuring     Like the river in the range,     Tis the joyous voice of Spring!     On the boles of grey, old trees,     See the flying sunbeams play     Mystic, soundless melodies,     A fantastic march and gay;     But the young leaves hear them, hark     How they rustle, every one!     And the sap beneath the bark     Hearing, leaps to meet the sun.     Oh, the world is wondrous fair     When the tide of lifes at flood!     There is magic in the air,     There is music in the blood;     And a glamour draws us on     To the distance, rainbow-spanned,     And the road we tread upon     Is the road to Fairyland.     Lo! the elders hear the sweet     Voice, and know the wondrous song;     And their ancient pulses beat     To a tune forgotten long;     And they talk in whispers low,     With a smile and with a sigh,     Of the years of long ago,     And the roving days gone by.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem presents a vivid celebration of nature and life, with a nostalgic and somewhat whimsical undertone. The poet employs a range of sensory language to create vibrant, dynamic imagery — we not only see the sap running up the tree and the sunbeams playing on the tree bark, but also hear the joyous voice of Spring and the rustle of young leaves. The use of personification, especially in the second stanza, imbues the natural world with a sense of anticipation and activity, as if it's anxiously awaiting the arrival of Spring.

Thematically, the poem meditates on the cyclical nature of life, the rejuvenating power of spring, and the allure of the unknown or the distant. The tone shifts from exuberant and celebratory in the first two stanzas to more introspective and nostalgic in the final one, suggesting a contrast between the vigor of youth and the wisdom of old age. The phrase "the road to Fairyland" hints at the human longing for escapism and magic, while the elders' whispering about "the roving days gone by" signifies a poignant sense of loss and remembrance. Structurally, the poem follows a consistent rhyming scheme, which, coupled with the rhythmic flow of the lines, contributes to a sense of harmony and balance, reflecting the cyclical, recurrent nature of the seasons and life itself.

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.