A Sun-Day Hymn

By Oliver Wendell Holmes

Lyric Poem
    Lord of all being! throned afar,     Thy glory flames from sun and star;     Centre and soul of every sphere,     Yet to each loving heart how near!     Sun of our life, thy quickening ray     Sheds on our path the glow of day;     Star of our hope, thy softened light     Cheers the long watches of the night.     Our midnight is thy smile withdrawn;     Our noontide is thy gracious dawn;     Our rainbow arch thy mercy's sign;     All, save the clouds of sin, are thin!     Lord of all life, below, above,     Whose light is truth, whose warmth is love,     Before thy ever-blazing throne     We ask no lustre of our own.     Grant us thy truth to make us free,     And kindling hearts that burn for thee,     Till all thy living altars claim     One holy light, one heavenly flame!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem evokes a profound sense of reverence towards a divine entity, referred to as the "Lord of all being." The author uses celestial imagery—references to the sun, stars, dawn, night, and rainbows—to convey the omnipresence and benevolence of this divine power. This imagery not only underscores the grandeur of the divine but also the divine's intimate connection to humanity.

The poem's tone is one of humility, devotion, and longing. The poet acknowledges the divine's supremacy in lines like "We ask no lustre of our own," showing a deep sense of humility and submission. Yet, there is also a yearning for spiritual growth and enlightenment, as seen in the request, "Grant us thy truth to make us free." The structure of the poem, composed of quatrains with a consistent rhyme scheme, mirrors this sense of order and harmony that the poet sees in the universe. The use of exclamation points throughout the poem underscores the emotional intensity of the poet's divine adoration. In terms of literary devices, the poem uses personification, metaphor, and repetition to effectively communicate its themes of divine omnipresence, the fusion of the cosmic and personal, and the pursuit of spiritual truth and freedom.

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.