Author: John Frederick Freeman
Singeth the Thrush, forgetting she is dead.... How could you, Thrush, forget that she is dead? Or though forgetting, sing--and she is dead? O hush, Untimely, truant Thrush! Singeth the Thrush, "I sing that she is dead!" Thou thoughtless Thrush, she loved you who is dead, Singeth the Thrush, "I sing her praise though dead." O hush, Untimely, grievous Thrush! Singeth the Thrush, "I sing your happy dead, I sing her who is living, and no more dead, I sing her joy--she is no longer dead." O hush, Enough, thou heavenly Thrush!
Type of Poem: Lyric Poem
Date Written:
Date Published:
Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher:
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Comments/Notes: This poignant poem delves deeply into the themes of death, memory, and the healing power of nature. The thrush, a recurring metaphor, stands as a symbol of life's persistence despite the inevitable presence of death. The repeated questioning and admonishments directed towards the thrush reflect the speaker's struggle with acceptance and the sorrow felt over the loss of a loved one.
The poem's tone oscillates between grieving and acceptance, a raw emotional journey encapsulated in eloquent dialogue with the thrush. The refrain "O hush, untimely, truant Thrush!" uses alliteration and repetition to amplify the speaker's grief, frustration, and eventual resignation. Yet the poem evolves from a lament into a kind of healing process, signified by the thrush's song, which becomes a celebration of the deceased's life and a recognition of their enduring presence in memory.
The structure of the poem, with its repeated introspections and interactions with the thrush, mirrors the cyclical nature of mourning and recovery. This intimate conversation with nature serves as a cathartic process for the speaker. The most striking literary device used here is the personification of the thrush, which takes on the role of a comforting, if initially misunderstood, companion in grief. In the end, the thrush's song transforms from a painful reminder of loss into a soothing hymn of acceptance and peace, highlighting the transformative power of nature and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of loss.
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:
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.