Aeolian Harp

By William Allingham

Lyric Poem
O pale green sea, With long, pale, purple clouds above What lies in me like weight of love ? What dies in me With utter grief, because there comes no sign Through the sun-raying West, or the dim sea-line ? O salted air, Blown round the rocky headland still, What calls me there from cove and hill? What calls me fair From thee, the first-born of the youthful night, Or in the waves is coming through the dusk twilight ? O yellow Star, Quivering upon the rippling tide Sendest so far to one that sigh'd? Bendest thou, Star, Above, where the shadows of the dead have rest And constant silence, with a message from the blest?

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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 profound exploration of longing, spiritual seeking, and the human connection with nature. The poet uses elements of the natural world - the sea, the air, and a star - as metaphors, each stanza dedicated to a distinct element. These metaphors evoke a sense of vastness and mystery, reflecting the speaker's internal emotional landscape.

The sea, with its "long, pale, purple clouds," symbolizes a weighty, melancholic love within the speaker, a love that seems unanswered and leaves the speaker in despair. The "salted air" and the rocky headland suggest a call to adventure or change, a pull to something beyond the familiar comfort of "cove and hill." The "yellow Star," quivering and distant, sends a message of hope or reassurance from the celestial realm, reminding the speaker of the eternal rest that awaits beyond life.

The poet's use of questioning throughout the poem adds an introspective tone, while the vivid, emotive language creates a sense of longing and melancholy. The poem is structured into three stanzas, each beginning with an invocation to an element of nature and ending with a question, creating a cyclical rhythm that mirrors the eternal questioning of the human condition. The poem leaves readers with poignant echoes of longing, spiritual quest, and the soothing yet relentless mystery of nature.

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.