Aphrodite

By Victor James Daley

Lyric Poem
    On a golden dawn in the dawn sublime     Of years ere the stars had ceased to sing,     Beautiful out of the sea-deeps cold     Aphrodite arose, the Flower of Time,     That, dear till the day of her blossoming,     The old, old Sea had borne in his heart.     Around her worshipping waves did part     Tremulous, glowing in rose and gold.     And the birds broke forth into singing sweet,     And flowers born scentless breathed perfume:     Softly she smiled upon Man forlorn,     And the music of love in his wild heart beat,     And down to the pit went his gods of gloom,     And earth grew bright and fair as a bride,     And folk in star-worlds wondering cried,     Lo in the skies a new star is born!     O Beloved, thus on my small world you     Rose, flushing it all with rosy flame!     Changing sad thoughts to a singing throng,     And creating the earth and the sky anew!     As Love you appeared, and, lo, you are Fame,     And, all my follies and sins despite,     You yet, Beloved, may see my light,     Small, but a star, mid the stars of song.

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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 rich tapestry interwoven with themes of love, beauty, rebirth, and transcendence. The narrative unfolds in a chronological progression, beginning with a mythical past where Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, arises from the sea. This birth signifies the dawn of love, a potent force that dispels gloom and brings vibrancy to existence. It is an allusion to the transformative power of love, which can create a world anew.

The tone of the poem is reverential and passionate. The poet uses vivid, sensory language and employs several literary devices like metaphor, imagery, and personification to depict the transformative power of love. The sea, the birds, and the flowers are all personified, adding depth to the poem's narrative. The sea "worships" Aphrodite, the birds "break forth into singing," and the scentless flowers "breathe perfume."

The poem's structure is consistent, with each stanza encapsulating a specific phase of the unfolding narrative. The final stanza takes a personal turn and shifts from the mythical to the personal. The beloved is likened to Aphrodite, transforming the speaker's world with love. Their love is depicted as a beacon, a star among the "stars of song." This image serves as a powerful metaphor, suggesting love's potential to inspire and ignite creativity.

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.