The Unuttered

Author: John Frederick Freeman

    For so long and so long had I forgot,
    Serenely busied
    With thousand things; at whiles desire grew hot
    And my soul dizzied
    With hapless and insatiable salt thirst.
    Nor was I humbled
    Saving with shame that, running with the worst
    My feet yet stumbled.
    Pride and delight of life enchained my heart,
    My heart enchanted,
    And oh, soft subtle fingers had their part,
    And eyes love-haunted.
    But while my busy mind was thus intent,
    Or thus surrendered,
    What was it, oh what strange thing was it sent
    Through all that hindered
    A thrill that woke the buried soul in me?--
    It seemed there fluttered
    A thought--or was it a sudden fear?--of Thee,
    Remote, unuttered.
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Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a poignant exploration of the human journey from ethereal longing to self-discovery, wrapped in the cloak of existential introspection. The speaker takes us through the shifting phases of their life, starting with a sense of forgetfulness and preoccupation with worldly concerns, moving through desire and confusion, and finally culminating in a sudden awakening of their "buried soul."

The theme of distraction versus realization is vital to the poem. The speaker is initially engrossed in "thousand things," embodying a busyness that borders on frenzy. This distraction is juxtaposed with the speaker's eventual self-awareness, brought about by a mysterious "thrill."

The poem's tone oscillates between regret and revelation. The speaker expresses remorse for having been "serenely busied," yet this remorse is tinged with a kind of awe at the awakening of their soul. The language employed is both stark and evocative. Words such as "dizzied," "insatiable," and "enchanted" invoke a sense of disoriented passion, while "humbled," "stumbled," and "buried" hint at a journey of struggle and humility.

Structurally, this poem is organized into quartets, maintaining a consistent ABAB rhyme scheme throughout. This regular rhythm underscores the speaker's introspective journey, which, despite its tumult, progresses with a certain inevitability.

Among the literary devices employed, the use of metaphor and personification stand out. The "insatiable salt thirst" metaphorically conveys the speaker's unquenchable desire, while the "soft subtle fingers" and "eyes love-haunted" personify the allure of worldly pleasures. These devices enrich the poem, adding depth and color to its introspective 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.