A Toast To Wilkie Collins

By Oliver Wendell Holmes

Lyric Poem
    The painter's and the poet's fame     Shed their twinned lustre round his name,     To gild our story-teller's art,     Where each in turn must play his part.     What scenes from Wilkie's pencil sprung,     The minstrel saw but left unsung!     What shapes the pen of Collins drew,     No painter clad in living hue!     But on our artist's shadowy screen     A stranger miracle is seen     Than priest unveils or pilgrim seeks, -     The poem breathes, the picture speaks!     And so his double name comes true,     They christened better than they knew,     And Art proclaims him twice her son, -     Painter and poet, both in one!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem elegantly explores the intersection of different art forms and the capacity of an artist to embody more than one. The core themes revolve around the interconnectedness of the arts, the power of creativity, and the duality of artistic identity. The poet uses the figures of a painter and a poet to symbolize these themes, highlighting the shared 'lustre' of their fame and their mutual contributions to the 'story-teller's art.'

The poem's tone is one of admiration and wonder, particularly in the lines, "The poem breathes, the picture speaks!" The poet marvels at the ability of an artist to bring to life scenes and characters, making them breathe and speak through their work. This is a testament to the transformative power of art and the ability of the artist to create 'stranger miracles' than those found in religion or pilgrimage.

Formally, the poem has a clear and consistent structure, adopting a regular rhyme scheme that underscores the harmonious relationship between the different art forms. The poet also uses metaphor and allusion, referring to other artists like Wilkie and Collins to enhance the richness of the imagery and broaden the poem's scope. The final lines, "And Art proclaims him twice her son, - / Painter and poet, both in one!" encapsulate the poem's celebration of diverse artistic expression and the multifaceted nature of the artist.

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.