The Full Tide

By John Frederick Freeman

    Now speaks the wave, whispering me of you;     In all his murmur your music murmurs too.     O 'tis your voice, my love, whispering in     The wave's voice, even your voice so far and thin;     And mine to yours answering clear is heard     In the high lonely voice of the last bird.     And when, my love, the full tide runneth again,     Shall yet the seabird call, call, call in vain?     Will not the tide wake in my heart and stir     The old rich happiness that's sunken there?     Thou moon of love, bid the retreated tide     Return, for which the wandering bird has cried.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:
The poem is a beautiful exploration of love, longing, and nature, weaving these themes together to create a poignant narrative. The speaker seems to be separated from their beloved, and uses the rhythms and elements of the natural world as echoes of their absent love. This is highlighted in the first few lines, where the voice of the beloved is heard in the murmur of the waves, creating a sense of yearning and melancholy.

The structure of the poem, with its consistent rhyme and rhythm, gives it a musical, lyrical quality - similar to a song or a ballad. This musicality is further emphasized through the use of repetition ("call, call, call in vain"), which creates a sense of urgency and echoes the speaker’s longing.

The tone of the poem is one of longing and hope, tinged with melancholy. This is conveyed through the repeated invocation of the beloved ("my love"), and the imagery of the "high lonely voice of the last bird" and the "retreated tide". These images suggest a sense of loneliness and a desire for reunion. The moon, often a symbol of change and transition, is invoked in the final lines as a plea for the return of the beloved, reflecting the speaker's hopeful anticipation.

Overall, the poem effectively uses the natural world as a metaphor to express the emotional state of the speaker, creating a profound and moving exploration of yearning and love.

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.