English Hills

By John Frederick Freeman

Lyric Poem
    O that I were     Where breaks the pure cold light     On English hills,     And peewits rising cry,     And gray is all the sky.     Or at evening there     When the faint slow light stays,     And far below     Sleeps the last lingering sound,     And night leans all round.     O then, O there     'Tis English haunted ground.     The diligent stars     Creep out, watch, and smile;     The wise moon lingers awhile.     For surely there     Heroic shapes are moving,     Visible thoughts,     Passions, things divine,     Clear beneath clear star-shine.     O that I were     Again on English hills,     Seeing between     Laborious villages     Her cool dark loveliness.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem beautifully captures a profound sense of nostalgia and longing for a familiar landscape, in this case, the English countryside. The poet's longing is rendered through vivid, sensory language that brings to life the changing atmosphere of the hills from the "pure cold light" of dawn to the "faint slow light" of dusk. The recurring refrain, "O that I were," underscores this yearning, making it the emotional heart of the poem.

The poem's tone is one of reverie and quiet longing, mirrored in the serene, tranquil imagery and the slow, contemplative rhythm of the lines. The poet incorporates natural elements— the "diligent stars," the "wise moon," and the "cool dark loveliness" of the land— imbuing them with human-like qualities, a literary device known as personification. This not only infuses the poem with a sense of magic and wonder but also suggests a deep sense of connection between the speaker and the natural world. The poem concludes with the echo of the opening wish, reinforcing the sense of longing and the unfulfilled desire to return to these "laborious villages," a phrase that connotes a respect for the hard work and simplicity of rural life. In its entirety, the poem is a heartfelt homage to the English countryside, a place that offers both solace and an anchor to identity.

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.