Childhood Calls

Author: John Frederick Freeman

    Come over, come over the deepening river,
    Come over again the dark torrent of years,
    Come over, come back where the green leaves quiver,
    And the lilac still blooms and the grey sky clears.

    Come, come back to the everlasting garden,
    To that green heaven, and the blue heaven above.
    Come back to the time when time brought no burden
    And love was unconscious, knowing not love.
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Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a poignant reflection on the inexorable passage of time and a yearning for a return to innocence and simplicity. The recurring refrain, "come over, come back," infuses the poem with a melancholy sense of nostalgia, inviting readers to cross the "deepening river" and "dark torrent of years" back to a time of unburdened love and blooming lilacs. The river and torrent serve as potent metaphors for the sometimes overwhelming flow of time, while the green leaves, the lilacs, and the clear grey sky symbolize youthful vitality, beauty, and clarity that the speaker longs to reclaim.

The structure of the poem, with its regular rhythm and rhyme scheme, lends a musical quality that underscores the plaintive, almost pleading tone of the speaker's words. The "everlasting garden" and the "green heaven" evoke Edenic images, emphasizing the theme of lost innocence and the desire to return to a time "when time brought no burden." The final line, "And love was unconscious, knowing not love," poignantly captures the innocence of first love, untainted by knowledge or experience. This is a subtle yet moving exploration of nostalgia, loss, and the relentless passage 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.