I Will Ask

By John Frederick Freeman

Lyric Poem
    I will ask primrose and violet to spend for you     Their smell and hue,     And the bold, trembling anemone awhile to spare     Her flowers starry fair;     Or the flushed wild apple and yet sweeter thorn     Their sweetness to keep     Longer than any fire-bosomed flower born     Between midnight and midnight deep.     And I will take celandine, nettle and parsley, white     In its own green light,     Or milkwort and sorrel, thyme, harebell and meadowsweet     Lifting at your feet,     And ivy blossom beloved of soft bees; I will take     The loveliest--     The seeding grasses that bend with the winds, and shake     Though the winds are at rest.     "For me?" you will ask. "Yes! surely they wave for you     Their smell and hue,     And you away all that is rare were so much less     By your missed happiness."     Yet I know grass and weed, ivy and apple and thorn     Their whole sweet would keep     Though in Eden no human spirit on a shining morn     Had awaked from sleep.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is rich in its evocative and vivid imagery, painting a picture of the natural world that is both lush and vibrant. The theme of nature as a source of beauty and solace is prevalent, with the poet employing a range of flora as metaphors for emotions and feelings. The tone is tender and somewhat melancholy, suggesting a sense of longing or yearning.

From a structural perspective, the poem is composed in a consistently rhythmic and harmonious manner, lending a musical quality that enhances its emotional impact. The use of repetition, particularly the recurring phrase "Their smell and hue," works to underline the central theme and imbue the poem with a hypnotic rhythm. The poem also employs a number of literary devices to great effect. The use of personification, for instance, imbues the flowers with agency and purpose, cementing the connection between the natural world and human emotions. The inclusion of a rhetorical question, "For me?" introduces an element of dialogue and breaks the narrative flow, creating a sense of intimacy and immediacy. The concluding lines, with their allusion to the biblical Garden of Eden, hint at themes of innocence and loss, adding depth and complexity to the overall narrative.

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.