A Hymn Of Peace

By Oliver Wendell Holmes

Lyric Poem
    Angel of Peace, thou hast wandered too long!     Spread thy white wings to the sunshine of love!     Come while our voices are blended in song, -     Fly to our ark like the storm-beaten dove!     Fly to our ark on the wings of the dove, -     Speed o'er the far-sounding billows of song,     Crowned with thine olive-leaf garland of love, -     Angel of Peace, thou hast waited too long!     Joyous we meet, on this altar of thine     Mingling the gifts we have gathered for thee,     Sweet with the odors of myrtle and pine,     Breeze of the prairie and breath of the sea, -     Meadow and mountain and forest and sea!     Sweet is the fragrance of myrtle and pine,     Sweeter the incense we offer to thee,     Brothers once more round this altar of thine!     Angels of Bethlehem, answer the strain!     Hark! a new birth-song is filling the sky! -     Loud as the storm-wind that tumbles the main     Bid the full breath of the organ reply, -     Let the loud tempest of voices reply, -     Roll its long surge like the-earth-shaking main!     Swell the vast song till it mounts to the sky!     Angels of Bethlehem, echo the strain!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This piece is a hymn-like plea for peace, filled with passionate invocations to angelic beings and metaphoric imagery. It is organized in quatrains with a clear, regular rhythm and a robust rhyme scheme, which gives it a musical quality that lends itself well to the poem's overall tone of earnest prayer and celebration.

The poet uses the symbol of the dove, traditionally associated with peace and divine messages, as a recurring motif to evoke the desired arrival of tranquility. The phrase "Angel of peace" frames the poem, appearing at both the beginning and end, reinforcing the poem's central theme. The poet also utilizes a rich array of natural imagery, from "the sunshine of love" to the "odors of myrtle and pine", to create a sense of the earthy, tangible beauty that peace can bring.

The tone of the poem is both urgent and hopeful. The poet repeatedly implores the "Angel of Peace" to arrive, suggesting a deep longing for harmony, but the poem also exudes optimism, indicated by the joyful meeting at the altar and the "new birth-song" filling the sky. This contrast between longing and joy creates a powerful emotional resonance.

In terms of literary devices, the poem makes effective use of repetition and parallel structures to emphasize its message. The repeated phrases "Angel of Peace, thou hast wandered too long" and "Brothers once more round this altar of thine" create a rhythmic pattern that mirrors the cyclical nature of the plea for peace. The poet's use of apostrophe, addressing the Angel of Peace directly, also serves to heighten the poem's emotional intensity.

In conclusion, this is a richly layered poem that combines lyrical language, vivid imagery, and heartfelt emotion to convey a timeless message of longing for peace and unity.

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.