Lonely Airs

By John Frederick Freeman

Lyric Poem
    Ah, bird singing late in the gloam     While the evening shadow thickens,     And the dizzy bat-wings roam,     And the faint starlight quickens;     And her bud eve's primrose bares     Before night's cold fingers come:     Thine are such lonely airs,     Bird singing late in the gloam!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This moving poem can be seen as a meditation on solitude, the passage of time, and the beauty found within nature's quiet moments. The poet paints a vivid picture of the twilight hour, utilizing imagery of a lone bird singing, a bat flying, and the emergence of a primrose bud. These elements all amplify the theme of solitude, contrasting the vibrant life of nature with the lonely, reflective atmosphere of evening.

The poem's structure, a pair of quatrains with a repeated line, evokes a sense of circularity, mirroring the cycle of day into night. The tone is both melancholic and serene, capturing the paradoxical beauty and sadness inherent in fleeting moments. The use of personification, with 'night's cold fingers' and the 'dizzy bat-wings,' breathes life into the scene, further enhancing the reader's emotional engagement. The poet's choice of the word 'gloam'—an archaic term for twilight—adds a touch of nostalgia and mystery, while the recurring motif of the 'bird singing late' serves as a poignant symbol of resilience and enduring beauty amidst solitude.

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.