A Medley: Now Sleeps The Crimson Petal (The Princess)

By Alfred Lord Tennyson

Lyric Poem
Now sleeps the crimson petal, now the white; Nor waves the cypress in the palace walk; Nor winks the gold fin in the porphyry font: The fire-fly wakens: waken thou with me. Now droops the milk-white peacock like a ghost, And like a ghost she glimmers on to me. Now lies the earth all Dana to the stars, And all thy heart lies open unto me. Now slides the silent meteor on, and leaves A shining furrow, as thy thoughts in me. Now folds the lily all her sweetness up, And slips into the bosom of the lake: So fold thyself, my dearest, thou, and slip Into my bosom and be lost in me.

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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 striking exploration of the interplay between nature, love, and the ephemeral quality of moments. The theme of transience is prominent, highlighted by the repeated use of "now," which marks the fleeting instances of natural beauty that the speaker seeks to capture. The imagery is rich and vibrant, ranging from crimson petals and milk-white peacocks to silent meteors and lilies folding their sweetness up. These images are not simply ornamental; they serve to evoke a sense of transient beauty, to mirror the speaker's emotions, and to enhance the romantic and intimate mood of the poem.

The poem's tone is one of quiet intensity, characterized by the speaker's longing to merge with the beloved, as suggested in the concluding lines. The structure, a series of couplets, fosters a rhythmic flow that underscores the fleeting nature of the instances being captured. The use of enjambment further contributes to this fluidity. The poem also employs metaphor and simile in a compelling way, most notably in the likening of the peacock and the beloved to ghosts, suggesting both ethereality and mystery. The overarching metaphor of the poem, however, is the equating of the beloved with various elements of nature, creating a sense of unity and interconnectivity. This poem is a testament to the power of imagery and metaphoric language in conveying intense emotional states and illuminating universal human experiences.

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.