Chanson Without Music

By Oliver Wendell Holmes

Lyric Poem
PHI BETA KAPPA. - CAMBRIDGE, 1867     You bid me sing, - can I forget     The classic ode of days gone by, -     How belle Fifine and jeune Lisette     Exclaimed, "Anacreon, geron ei"?     "Regardez done," those ladies said, -     "You're getting bald and wrinkled too     When summer's roses all are shed,     Love 's nullum ite, voyez-vous!"     In vain ce brave Anacreon's cry,     "Of Love alone my banjo sings"     (Erota mounon). "Etiam si, -     Eh b'en?" replied the saucy things, -     "Go find a maid whose hair is gray,     And strike your lyre, - we sha'n't complain;     But parce nobis, s'il vous plait, -     Voila Adolphe! Voila Eugene!"     Ah, jeune Lisette! Ah, belle Fifine!     Anacreon's lesson all must learn;     O kairos oxiis; Spring is green,     But Acer Hyems waits his turn     I hear you whispering from the dust,     "Tiens, mon cher, c'est toujours so, -     The brightest blade grows dim with rust,     The fairest meadow white with snow!"     You do not mean it! Not encore?     Another string of playday rhymes?     You 've heard me - nonne est?-before,     Multoties,-more than twenty times;     Non possum, - vraiment, - pas du tout,     I cannot! I am loath to shirk;     But who will listen if I do,     My memory makes such shocking work?     Ginosko. Scio. Yes, I 'm told     Some ancients like my rusty lay,     As Grandpa Noah loved the old     Red-sandstone march of Jubal's day.     I used to carol like the birds,     But time my wits has quite unfixed,     Et quoad verba, - for my words, -     Ciel! Eheu! Whe-ew! - how they're mixed!     Mehercle! Zeu! Diable! how     My thoughts were dressed when I was young,     But tempus fugit! see them now     Half clad in rags of every tongue!     O philoi, fratres, chers amis     I dare not court the youthful Muse,     For fear her sharp response should be,     "Papa Anacreon, please excuse!"     Adieu! I 've trod my annual track     How long! - let others count the miles, -     And peddled out my rhyming pack     To friends who always paid in smiles.     So, laissez-moi! some youthful wit     No doubt has wares he wants to show;     And I am asking, "Let me sit,"     Dum ille clamat, "Dos pou sto!"

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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 playful, yet thoughtful examination of the passage of time and the inevitability of aging, interwoven with a poignant nostalgia for youth. It employs a unique structure, using a mix of English and phrases from various languages, including French, Latin, and Greek, which adds a layer of complexity and globality to the narrative, while also underlining the poet's intellectual prowess.

The tone of the poem alternates between light-hearted humor and a melancholic longing for the past. The poet employs the recurring characters of Anacreon, Lisette, and Fifine to showcase the tension between youthful vitality and the wisdom of old age. The poet uses humor and self-deprecation to challenge the inevitable decline that comes with age. This approach offers a sense of acceptance and resilience, transforming a potentially morose topic into a celebration of life's stages.

In terms of literary devices, the poet uses the technique of apostrophe, directly addressing these characters, thereby bringing them to life. This gallant interaction between the poet and the characters creates a vivid and engaging scene for the reader, allowing us to feel his emotions more deeply. The poem also relies on a rhythmical and rhyming structure that provides a sense of musicality and pace, further enhancing its appeal. Overall, the poem is a rich blend of humor, nostalgia, and a contemplative acceptance of life's ephemeral nature.

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.