A Medley: Thy Voice Is Heard (The Princess)

By Alfred Lord Tennyson

Lyric Poem
Thy voice is heard thro' rolling drums, That beat to battle where he stands; Thy face across his fancy comes, And gives the battle to his hands: A moment, while the trumpets blow, He sees his brood about thy knee; The next, like fire he meets the foe, And strikes him dead for thine and thee.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This piece is a compelling war poem that delves into themes of love, family, and courage. The speaker seems to be addressing a beloved, possibly a wife or a significant other, whose voice and image inspire bravery in the midst of conflict. There's a strong sense of the soldier's personal motivation, which paints war not as a mere political endeavor, but as a personal battle fought for the ones left at home.

The poem's structure and rhythm emulate the intensity of a battlefield, with the rolling drums and blaring trumpets adding to the urgency and high stakes. The swift shift from the intimate, domestic image of the soldier's 'brood about thy knee' to the brutal, fiery confrontation with the enemy is particularly striking. It enables a powerful contrast that underscores the soldier's motivations and his bravery. This work effectively employs imagery and contrast as literary devices to deepen its emotional impact and to convey the personal side of warfare.

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.