The Two Streams

Author: Oliver Wendell Holmes

    Behold the rocky wall
    That down its sloping sides
    Pours the swift rain-drops, blending, as they fall,
    In rushing river-tides!

    Yon stream, whose sources run
    Turned by a pebble's edge,
    Is Athabasca, rolling toward the sun
    Through the cleft mountain-ledge.

    The slender rill had strayed,
    But for the slanting stone,
    To evening's ocean, with the tangled braid
    Of foam-flecked Oregon.

    So from the heights of Will
    Life's parting stream descends,
    And, as a moment turns its slender rill,
    Each widening torrent bends, - 

    From the same cradle's side,
    From the same mother's knee, - 
    One to long darkness and the frozen tide,
    One to the Peaceful Sea!
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Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a profound exploration of the themes of life's journey, destiny, and the flow of time. It employs the metaphor of a river's journey, from a tiny raindrop on a mountain to its final destination in the sea, to reflect human life's trajectory, its unpredictability, and inevitable end.

The tone of the poem is contemplative and serene, evoking a sense of the sublime in the face of nature's majesty and the vast, unknowable journey of life. Structurally, the poem is methodical and steady, much like the river it describes, providing a rhythmic flow that enhances the natural imagery. The poem's language is rich and evocative, with notable usage of alliteration and assonance that further enriches its musicality and rhythm.

One standout literary device is the poet's use of the pebble and the slanting stone as metaphors for the pivotal moments that alter the course of a person's life, underscoring the delicate balance and unpredictability of life's path. The contrasting endings—"long darkness and the frozen tide" and "the Peaceful Sea"—reflect the varied and often opposing outcomes of life's journey, emphasizing the dichotomy between struggle and tranquility, loss and fulfillment, death and peace. This poem, in its entirety, offers a philosophical reflection on the journey of life, the forces that shape it, and its inevitable conclusion.

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.