An Appeal For "The Old South"

By Oliver Wendell Holmes

Lyric Poem
    "While stands the Coliseum, Rome shall stand;     When falls the Coliseum, Rome shall fall."     Full sevenscore years our city's pride -     The comely Southern spire -     Has cast its shadow, and defied     The storm, the foe, the fire;     Sad is the sight our eyes behold;     Woe to the three-hilled town,     When through the land the tale is told -     "The brave 'Old South' is down!"     Let darkness blot the starless dawn     That hears our children tell,     "Here rose the walls, now wrecked and gone,     Our fathers loved so well;     Here, while his brethren stood aloof,     The herald's blast was blown     That shook St. Stephen's pillared roof     And rocked King George's throne!     "The home-bound wanderer of the main     Looked from his deck afar,     To where the gilded, glittering vane     Shone like the evening star,     And pilgrim feet from every clime     The floor with reverence trod,     Where holy memories made sublime     The shrine of Freedom's God!"     The darkened skies, alas! have seen     Our monarch tree laid low,     And spread in ruins o'er the green,     But Nature struck the blow;     No scheming thrift its downfall planned,     It felt no edge of steel,     No soulless hireling raised his hand     The deadly stroke to deal.     In bridal garlands, pale and mute,     Still pleads the storied tower;     These are the blossoms, but the fruit     Awaits the golden shower;     The spire still greets the morning sun, -     Say, shall it stand or fall?     Help, ere the spoiler has begun!     Help, each, and God help all!

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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 potent exploration of the themes of heritage, loss, and the enduring power of historical monuments as symbols of cultural identity. It begins with an evocative metaphor comparing the fate of Rome to the Coliseum, suggesting that the survival of a city is inherently tied to its architectural symbols. The tone of the poem oscillates between a mournful lament and an urgent call to preservation, effectively capturing the tension between the past and the future.

The poet employs a rich array of imagery to depict the Southern spire as a stalwart figure that has withstood the test of time, ascribing almost human characteristics to it through phrases such as "our city's pride" and "the brave 'Old South'". This personification serves to deepen the reader's emotional connection to the monument. The structure of the poem, with its regular rhyming pattern and rhythmic cadence, further amplifies the solemnity of its central theme.

The poem also delves into the realm of the sacred, associating the monument with religious reverence and divine protection. The reference to "the shrine of Freedom's God" suggests that the spire is not merely an architectural marvel, but a beacon of ideological significance. However, the concluding stanzas present a somber image of the monument's uncertain future, underscoring the poem's overarching message: that the responsibility of preserving our cultural heritage lies with each one of us. This poignant plea resonates powerfully, transforming the poem into a timeless call to action.

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.