To The Poets Who Only Read And Listen

By Oliver Wendell Holmes

Lyric Poem
    When evening's shadowy fingers fold     The flowers of every hue,     Some shy, half-opened bud will hold     Its drop of morning's dew.     Sweeter with every sunlit hour     The trembling sphere has grown,     Till all the fragrance of the flower     Becomes at last its own.     We that have sung perchance may find     Our little meed of praise,     And round our pallid temples bind     The wreath of fading bays.     Ah, Poet, who hast never spent     Thy breath in idle strains,     For thee the dewdrop morning lent     Still in thy heart remains;     Unwasted, in its perfumed cell     It waits the evening gale;     Then to the azure whence it fell     Its lingering sweets exhale.

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Create Image

Transform this poem into a beautiful shareable image

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline

Share the Love of Poetry
More Poems
More Lyric Poems
Daily Poem

Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a lyrical exploration of the transient nature of time and the enduring quality of the poetic spirit. It employs a pastoral metaphor, the dewdrop on a flower, to parallel the essence of a poet's work. The poems set the tone as contemplative and quietly appreciative of natural beauty, with a subtle undertone of melancholy in the fading daylight and the "wreath of fading bays."

The structure of the poem, four quatrains with an ABAB rhyme scheme, is traditional and lends a rhythmic flow to the words. The poet's use of personification is noteworthy—"evening's shadowy fingers fold," and "the trembling sphere has grown"—which adds a level of depth to the imagery.

The theme of the poem is the enduring power of poetry and its capacity to capture fleeting moments. The dewdrop, a symbol of ephemeral beauty, is compared to the poet's work - it is savored and nurtured throughout the day, only to release its "lingering sweets" at night. This could signify the poet's contribution to the world, which like the dewdrop, may not be physically lasting, but leaves a lasting impact through its essence or fragrance. The "idle strains" suggest the poet's dedication and sincerity to his craft, ensuring that the beauty captured in his poems remains undiminished with time.

In conclusion, this poem is a beautiful testament to the power of poetic expression, its ability to encapsulate fleeting moments of beauty and its enduring impact on the world.

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.