Author: Oliver Wendell Holmes
When Eve had led her lord away, And Cain had killed his brother, The stars and flowers, the poets say, Agreed with one another. To cheat the cunning tempter's art, And teach the race its duty, By keeping on its wicked heart Their eyes of light and beauty. A million sleepless lids, they say, Will be at least a warning; And so the flowers would watch by day, The stars from eve to morning. On hill and prairie, field and lawn, Their dewy eyes upturning, The flowers still watch from reddening dawn Till western skies are burning. Alas! each hour of daylight tells A tale of shame so crushing, That some turn white as sea-bleached shells, And some are always blushing. But when the patient stars look down On all their light discovers, The traitor's smile, the murderer's frown, The lips of lying lovers, They try to shut their saddening eyes, And in the vain endeavor We see them twinkling in the skies, And so they wink forever.
Type of Poem: Lyric Poem
Date Written:
Date Published:
Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher:
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Comments/Notes: The poem under consideration is a profound meditation on the human condition, refracted through the lens of biblical narrative and the natural world. The poet employs the biblical figures of Adam, Eve, and Cain as foundational human archetypes, suggesting the presence of sin and deception from the dawn of humanity. Simultaneously, the stars and flowers serve as metaphors for the eternal and innocent observers of mankind's action, offering a tacit moral commentary.
Structurally, the poem is consistent in its rhyme scheme and meter, providing a steady rhythm that mirrors the unchanging watch of the stars and flowers. A recurring theme is the tension between innocence and guilt, symbolized by the changing colors of the flowers and the twinkling of the stars. The use of personification imbues these natural elements with a sense of wisdom and judgement. The concluding lines, with the stars attempting to close their eyes to human deceit and wickedness, underscore the inevitable exposure of hidden sins. The tone is poignant, tinged with a sense of melancholy, reflecting on the fallibility of human nature and the relentless, if silent, judgement of the universe. The poet successfully marries biblical allusion, natural imagery, and moral contemplation, delivering a powerful commentary on humanity's perpetual struggle with sin and deceit.
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:
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.