Author: Oliver Wendell Holmes
We will not speak of years to-night, - For what have years to bring But larger floods of love and light, And sweeter songs to sing? We will not drown in wordy praise The kindly thoughts that rise; If Friendship own one tender phrase, He reads it in our eyes. We need not waste our school-boy art To gild this notch of Time; - Forgive me if my wayward heart Has throbbed in artless rhyme. Enough for him the silent grasp That knits us hand in hand, And he the bracelet's radiant clasp That locks our circling band. Strength to his hours of manly toil! Peace to his starlit dreams! Who loves alike the furrowed soil, The music-haunted streams! Sweet smiles to keep forever bright The sunshine on his lips, And faith that sees the ring of light Round nature's last eclipse! February 22, 1859.
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: This poem is a beautiful exploration of themes such as friendship, the passage of time, and the profound beauty of simple, heartfelt expressions. The poet explicitly rejects ostentatious language and prefers the unadorned sincerity of emotions, as seen in lines like "We will not drown in wordy praise" and "Forgive me if my wayward heart/Has throbbed in artless rhyme". This lends an intimate, conversational tone to the poem, like a heartfelt letter addressed to a close friend.
The structure of the poem, with its regular rhyme scheme and rhythm, imbues it with a comforting, almost hymn-like quality, and further underscores its themes of love and unity. Notable literary devices include the use of metaphor, such as "the bracelet's radiant clasp/That locks our circling band," which vividly evoke the strength and constancy of friendship. Furthermore, the poet's use of natural imagery, such as "floods of love and light," "manly toil," and "starlit dreams," paints a picture of a life lived in harmony with both nature and the human spirit. The poem, thus, serves as a tribute to enduring friendship, the joys of simplicity, and the timeless beauty of the natural world. It ends on a hopeful note, with faith that sees beauty even in life's inevitable end.
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.