To An Insect

By Oliver Wendell Holmes

Lyric Poem
    I Love to hear thine earnest voice,     Wherever thou art hid,     Thou testy little dogmatist,     Thou pretty Katydid     Thou mindest me of gentlefolks, -     Old gentlefolks are they, -     Thou say'st an undisputed thing     In such a solemn way.     Thou art a female, Katydid     I know it by the trill     That quivers through thy piercing notes,     So petulant and shrill;     I think there is a knot of you     Beneath the hollow tree, -     A knot of spinster Katydids, - -     Do Katydids drink tea?     Oh tell me where did Katy live,     And what did Katy do?     And was she very fair and young,     And yet so wicked, too?     Did Katy love a naughty man,     Or kiss more cheeks than one?     I warrant Katy did no more     Than many a Kate has done.     Dear me! I'll tell you all about     My fuss with little Jane,     And Ann, with whom I used to walk     So often down the lane,     And all that tore their locks of black,     Or wet their eyes of blue, -     Pray tell me, sweetest Katydid,     What did poor Katy do?     Ah no! the living oak shall crash,     That stood for ages still,     The rock shall rend its mossy base     And thunder down the hill,     Before the little Katydid     Shall add one word, to tell     The mystic story of the maid     Whose name she knows so well.     Peace to the ever-murmuring race!     And when the latest one     Shall fold in death her feeble wings     Beneath the autumn sun,     Then shall she raise her fainting voice,     And lift her drooping lid,     And then the child of future years     Shall hear what Katy did.

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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 whimsical exploration of nature, femininity, and the passage of time, centered around the metaphorical figure of the "Katydid," a type of insect. The speaker's playful and affectionate tone towards the Katydid reflects a sense of fondness for these creatures, casting them as keepers of tales and secrets. The poem is structured in a consistent rhyming scheme, which gives it a rhythmic, musical quality, enhancing the narrative style of the verse.

The poet uses the Katydid as a symbol to weave a story about a woman known as Katy, suggesting a connection between the insect's chirping and a narrative from the past. The lively personification of the insect adds a layer of intrigue and humor to the poem, notably in lines like "Do Katydids drink tea?" The speaker's curiosity about Katy's life and actions hints at broader themes of love, mystery, and human behavior.

The poet also employs vivid imagery to depict the natural world, particularly in the last stanza, where the falling of an oak tree and the rending of a rock are used to emphasize the Katydid's silence and stubbornness. The poem's conclusion suggests the Katydid will only reveal Katy's story after her own death, adding a poignant note of mortality and the passage of time. Overall, this poem skillfully merges narrative, humor, and thoughtful reflections on nature and human life.

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.