To Frederick Henry Hedge

By Oliver Wendell Holmes

Lyric Poem
At A Dinner Given Him On His Eightieth Birthday, December 12, 1885 With a bronze statuette of John of Bologna's Mercury, presented by a few friends.     Fit emblem for the altar's side,     And him who serves its daily need,     The stay, the solace, and the guide     Of mortal men, whate'er his creed!     Flamen or Auspex, Priest or Bonze,     He feeds the upward-climbing fire,     Still teaching, like the deathless bronze,     Man's noblest lesson, - to aspire.     Hermes lies prone by fallen Jove,     Crushed are the wheels of Krishna's car,     And o'er Dodona's silent grove     Streams the white, ray from Bethlehem's star.     Yet snatched from Time's relentless clutch,     A godlike shape, that human hands     Have fired with Art's electric touch,     The herald of Olympus stands.     Ask not what ore the furnace knew;     Love mingled with the flowing mass,     And lends its own unchanging hue,     Like gold in Corinth's molten brass.     Take then our gift; this airy form     Whose bronze our benedictions gild,     The hearts of all its givers warm     With love by freezing years unchilled.     With eye undimmed, with strength unworn,     Still toiling in your Master's field,     Before you wave the growths unshorn,     Their ripened harvest yet to yield.     True servant of the Heavenly Sire,     To you our tried affection clings,     Bids you still labor, still aspire,     But clasps your feet and steals their wings.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem serves as both a tribute and a meditation on the passage of time, artistry, and aspiration. It begins by referencing a bronze statuette, a gift representing Mercury, the messenger of the gods. The poet likens the recipient of this gift to various religious figures who "serve" and "guide" humanity, thereby elevating their status. The poem's primary theme is aspiration - embodied by the image of Mercury, who is celebrated for his ability to rise above earthly matters and communicate with the divine.

The poem employs a variety of historical and mythological references, such as Hermes, Jove, Krishna, and Bethlehem's star, suggesting the enduring nature of wisdom and the eternal quest for knowledge and spiritual enlightenment. These images also underscore the passage of time, as the once-great figures are shown to have fallen or faded. Yet, the 'herald of Olympus' stands resilient, a testament to the lasting power of human artistry and aspiration. The poem's structure is regular, with a consistent rhyme scheme that lends a rhythmic, almost hymn-like quality, further emphasizing the spiritual undertones of the work.

The tone of the poem is both reverential and affectionate. The poet not only admires the recipient but also expresses a warm, enduring love for them, further strengthening the poem's celebratory nature. The final lines offer an interesting paradox, urging the recipient to continue their work even as it symbolically clips their wings, suggesting a balance between earthly responsibilities and heavenly aspirations. Overall, this poem skillfully intertwines themes of aspiration, time, love, and artistry, presenting a nuanced portrait of a respected figure and their lasting impact.

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.