The Promise

Author: Oliver Wendell Holmes

    Not charity we ask,
    Nor yet thy gift refuse;
    Please thy light fancy with the easy task
    Only to look and choose.

    The little-heeded toy
    That wins thy treasured gold
    May be the dearest memory, holiest joy,
    Of coming years untold.

    Heaven rains on every heart,
    But there its showers divide,
    The drops of mercy choosing, as they part,
    The dark or glowing side.

    One kindly deed may turn
    The fountain of thy soul
    To love's sweet day-star, that shall o'er thee burn
    Long as its currents roll.

    The pleasures thou hast planned, - 
    Where shall their memory be
    When the white angel with the freezing hand
    Shall sit and watch by thee?

    Living, thou dost not live,
    If mercy's spring run dry;
    What Heaven has lent thee wilt thou freely give,
    Dying, thou shalt not die.

    HE promised even so!
    To thee his lips repeat, - 
    Behold, the tears that soothed thy sister's woe
    Have washed thy Master's feet!

    March 20, 1859.
Send via Email Share via WhatsApp Share on X

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 19th-century poem is a profound meditation on charity, compassion, and the transcendent power of selfless acts. Its central theme is the transformative potential of kindness, suggesting that even the smallest acts can have lasting, even eternal, consequences. The poem’s tone is both reflective and exhortative, urging the reader to consider the potential impact of their actions and the profound spiritual rewards of altruism.

The poem employs a straightforward ABAB rhyme scheme, which lends it a rhythmic, almost hymnal quality. This, combined with the frequent use of religious imagery, underscores the poem's moral and spiritual message. The poet's use of metaphors, such as the "drops of mercy" and "love's sweet day-star," is particularly effective in conveying the transformative and enlightening power of kindness. The poem concludes with a powerful reference to a biblical scene, drawing on the reader's familiarity with these stories to further emphasize its message. In the end, the poem leaves the reader with a clear call to action: to live fully is to give freely, and in doing so, one can achieve a form of immortality.

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.