The Parting Song - Festival Of The Alumni, 1857

By Oliver Wendell Holmes

    The noon of summer sheds its ray     On Harvard's holy ground;     The Matron calls, the sons obey,     And gather smiling round.     CHORUS.     Then old and young together stand,     The sunshine and the snow,     As heart to heart, and hand in hand,     We sing before we go!     Her hundred opening doors have swung     Through every storied hall     The pealing echoes loud have rung,     "Thrice welcome one and all!"     Then old and young, etc.     We floated through her peaceful bay,     To sail life's stormy seas     But left our anchor where it lay     Beneath her green old trees.     Then old and young, etc.     As now we lift its lengthening chain,     That held us fast of old,     The rusted rings grow bright again, -     Their iron turns to gold.     Then old and young, etc.     Though scattered ere the setting sun,     As leaves when wild winds blow,     Our home is here, our hearts are one,     Till Charles forgets to flow.     Then old and young, etc.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:
This poem beautifully captures the spirit of unity, nostalgia, and reverence towards a shared place of origin, in this case, "Harvard's holy ground." The poem is built around a strong theme of camaraderie and fond remembrance of shared experiences, which binds all the "sons" of this institution together, regardless of their age or individual journeys.

The structure of the poem, with its repeated chorus, enhances the feeling of unity and continuity, contributing to the overall tone of sentimental celebration. The repeated refrain, "Then old and young," emphasizes the intergenerational connection between past and present members of this community, while the metaphor of the "sunshine and the snow" subtly contrasts youth and age, but also binds them together in a natural cycle.

The poem utilizes several potent images and metaphors. In particular, the image of the anchor and the chain symbolizes the strong bond that ties the alumni to their alma mater, a bond that time and distance cannot diminish. The transformation of the "iron" of the chain into "gold" provides an effective metaphor for the value of the shared experiences and memories that are being celebrated. The poet's use of personification ("Charles forgets to flow") in the last verse brings a touch of hyperbole and reinforces the enduring nature of this bond.

In terms of tone, the poem maintains a warm, nostalgic, and reverential mood throughout. It appeals to the reader's senses and emotions, stirring feelings of nostalgia and reinforcing the idea of a shared identity and a deep-rooted sense of belonging. The poem is both a homage to a revered institution and a celebration of the bonds formed within its hallowed halls.

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.