Fear

By John Frederick Freeman

Lyric Poem
    Surely I must have ailed     On that dark night,     Or my childish courage failed     Because there was no light;     Or terror must have come     With his chill wing,     And made my angel dumb,     Or found him slumbering.     Because I could not sleep     Terror began to wake,     Close at my side to creep     And sting me like a snake.     And I was afraid of death,     But when I thought of pain--     O, language no word hath     To recall that thought again!     Into my heart fear crawled     And wreathed close around,     Mortal, convulsive, cold,     And I lay bound.     Fear set before my eyes     Unimaginable pain;     Approaching agonies     Sprang nimbly into my brain.     Just as a thrilling wind     Plucks every mournful wire,     So terror on my wild mind     Fingered, with ice and fire.     O, not death I feared,     But the anguish of the body;     My dizzying passions heard,     Saw my own bosom bloody.     I thought of years of woe,     Moments prolonged to years,     Heard my heart racing so,     Redoubling all those fears.     Yet still I could not cry,     Not a sound the stillness broke;     But the dark stirred, and my     Negligent angel woke.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem revolves around the theme of fear - specifically, fear of physical pain and suffering rather than death itself. The speaker vividly illustrates a dark night of the soul, where terror creeps in like a snake, stirring up images of unimaginable pain. The theme of fear is explored not just as an emotional state but as an embodied, visceral experience that induces physical reactions such as a racing heart.

The poem's structure follows a consistent rhythm, but the poet introduces variation through the irregular rhyme scheme. This contributes to a sense of unease and unpredictability that mirrors the poem's content. Standout literary devices include metaphor, simile, and personification. Fear is personified as a creeping snake and an icy, fiery musician playing on the strings of the speaker's mind. These vivid images enhance the poem's emotional intensity. The poem's tone is one of dread and anxiety, which is maintained throughout the narrative, only to be slightly alleviated in the final line, where the speaker's "negligent angel" - a symbol for hope or protection - finally wakes.

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.