Dark And Strange

By John Frederick Freeman

Lyric Poem
    When first Love came, then was I but a boy     Swept with delirium of undreamt joy.     Now Love comes to a man serious with change     Of life and death--and makes the world dark and strange.

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Create Image

Transform this poem into a beautiful shareable image

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline

Share the Love of Poetry
More Poems
More Lyric Poems
Daily Poem

Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This brief yet profound poem explores the transformative journey of love and the evolution of self-perception. The poet contrasts the youthful exhilaration of initial love, characterized as a "delirium of undreamt joy," with the sobering, adult encounter with love that is "serious with change / Of life and death." This contrasting imagery effectively communicates the shift in understanding love from a simplistic, blissful emotion to a complex, encompassing force that can both illuminate and obscure one's world.

The poem's structure, a four-line verse, is simple but effective, mirroring the two stages of the speaker's life: youth and maturity. The tone is melancholic and reflective, suggesting a nostalgia for lost innocence and an acknowledgement of the burdens of maturity. The poet's choice of words, such as "delirium," "undreamt," and "strange," infuse the poem with a sense of mystery and intensity, further heightening the emotional stakes of the poem. Overall, this poem is a poignant exploration of the evolving nature of love and self-awareness.

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.