But Most Thy Light

By John Frederick Freeman

Lyric Poem
    I know how fire burns,     How from the wrangling fumes     Rose and amber blooms,     And slowly dies.     Nothing's so swift as fire,     There's nothing alive so fierce.     The lifted lances pierce,     Sink, and upspring.     Like an Indian sword it leaps     Out of the smoking sheath.     Even the winged feet of death     Learn speed from fire;     And pain its cunning learns;     Languor its sweet     From the decaying heat     That never dies.     I know how fire burns     Unguessed, save for tears,     When the thousand-fanged flame spears     The body's guard;     Or when the mind, the mind     Is ever-glowing wood,     And fire runs in the blood     Lunatic, blind;     When remorse burns and burns     And burns always, always--     The fire that surest slays     Or surest numbs.     I know how fire burns     But how I cannot tell.     And Heaven burns like Hell     Yet the Heart endures.     'Tis the immortal Flame     In mortal life that's bitter,     Or than all sweet sweeter     Though life burns down.     Teach me, fire, but this,     Nor alone destroying burn:--     Of thy warmth let me learn,     But most thy light.

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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 profound exploration of the dual nature of fire as both a destructive and enlightening force. The author uses vivid, sensory language to illustrate fire's relentless power, and the repetitious phrase "I know how fire burns" serves as a compelling refrain, reinforcing the poem's central theme.

The tone bears an intensity that matches the subject matter, swinging between despair, awe, and a plea for knowledge. The poet utilizes the metaphor of fire in various ways—first, to illustrate its raw, physical destructiveness, and then to symbolize mental torment, remorse, and spiritual suffering. Yet, in the final stanzas, fire is also presented as a source of illumination and warmth, an 'immortal Flame' in the bitterness of mortal life, indicating a transformative or purifying aspect.

The structure of the poem is free verse, allowing the poet a more flexible rhythm that mirrors the unpredictable nature of fire. There's a palpable use of personification, likening fire to a warrior with a sword and 'winged feet of death'. This imbues the element with a sense of agency and cunning, reinforcing its awe-inspiring power. In conclusion, the poem is a potent meditation on suffering, endurance, and the possibility of enlightenment, encapsulated in the multifaceted symbol of fire.

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.