Midsummer

By Oliver Wendell Holmes

Lyric Poem
    Here! sweep these foolish leaves away,     I will not crush my brains to-day!     Look! are the southern curtains drawn?     Fetch me a fan, and so begone!     Not that, - the palm-tree's rustling leaf     Brought from a parching coral-reef     Its breath is heated; - I would swing     The broad gray plumes, - the eagle's wing.     I hate these roses' feverish blood!     Pluck me a half-blown lily-bud,     A long-stemmed lily from the lake,     Cold as a coiling water-snake.     Rain me sweet odors on the air,     And wheel me up my Indian chair,     And spread some book not overwise     Flat out before my sleepy eyes.     Who knows it not, - this dead recoil     Of weary fibres stretched with toil, -     The pulse that flutters faint and low     When Summer's seething breezes blow!     O Nature! bare thy loving breast,     And give thy child one hour of rest, -     One little hour to lie unseen     Beneath thy scarf of leafy green!     So, curtained by a singing pine,     Its murmuring voice shall blend with mine,     Till, lost in dreams, my faltering lay     In sweeter music dies away.

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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 vivid exploration of the human desire for respite and tranquility, set against the backdrop of a hot summer day. Using rich, sensory language, the poet expresses an overwhelming longing for physical comfort and mental calm, intermingling elements of nature with symbols of relaxation.

The poem begins with an immediate sense of frustration, the speaker seeking relief from the heat and their own thoughts. As it progresses, it draws heavily on imagery related to coolness and serenity, such as the "broad gray plumes of the eagle's wing" and the "cold" lily "from the lake", creating a stark contrast with the feverish beginning. The tone shifts from one of exasperation to a more peaceful surrender, as the speaker seeks solace in nature, embodying the theme of man's relationship with the natural world.

The poet employs a variety of literary devices, including metaphor ("The pulse that flutters faint and low"), simile ("Cold as a coiling water-snake"), and personification ("O Nature! bare thy loving breast"). The structure of the poem, composed of rhymed quatrains, promotes a rhythmic, lulling quality that mirrors the speaker's desire for rest.

Ultimately, the poem is a testament to the power of nature as a source of comfort and solace. It beautifully conveys the universal human experience of seeking refuge from physical discomfort and mental unrest, and highlights the restorative potential of surrendering to the soothing rhythms of the natural world.

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.