It Was The Lovely Moon

By John Frederick Freeman

Lyric Poem
    It was the lovely moon--she lifted     Slowly her white brow among     Bronze cloud-waves that ebbed and drifted     Faintly, faintlier afar.     Calm she looked, yet pale with wonder,     Sweet in unwonted thoughtfulness,     Watching the earth that dwindled under     Faintly, faintlier afar.     It was the lovely moon that lovelike     Hovered over the wandering, tired     Earth, her bosom gray and dovelike,     Hovering beautiful as a dove....     The lovely moon:--her soft light falling     Lightly on roof and poplar and pine--     Tree to tree whispering and calling,     Wonderful in the silvery shine     Of the round, lovely, thoughtful moon.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a lyrical exploration of the moon's gentle, unwavering presence in the night sky. The poet uses vivid imagery and personification to transform the moon into a sentient being, watching over the earth with a calm and thoughtful demeanor. The moon's 'white brow' and 'bosom gray and dovelike' imbue it with a feminine and motherly quality. This maternal personification is further emphasized through the verb 'hovered,' suggesting a protective and nurturing presence.

The poem's structure and repetition also contribute to its overall contemplative tone. The recurring phrase 'faintly, faintlier afar' creates a sense of distance and fading, perhaps indicating the earth's insignificance in the grand cosmic scale. The repetition of the phrase 'the lovely moon' underscores the poet's enchantment with this celestial body. The use of soft, soothing language throughout the poem, such as 'whispering,' 'calling,' 'wonderful,' and 'silvery shine,' further enhances the serene and tranquil atmosphere. Additionally, the poem's irregular rhyme scheme mirrors the unpredictable and ever-changing nature of the night sky.

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.