A Voice

By Alfred Lord Tennyson

Lyric Poem
A voice by cedar tree In the meadow under the Hall! She is singing an air that is known to me, A passionate ballad gallant and gay, A martial song like a trumpets call! Singing of men that in battle array Ready in heart and ready in hand, March with banner and bugle and fife To the death, for their native land. Maud with her exquisite face, And wild voice pealing up to the sunny sky, And feet like sunny gems on an English green, Maud in the light of her youth and her grace, Singing of Death, and of Honor that cannot die, Till I well could weep for a time so sordid and mean, And myself so languid and base.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem explores themes of valor, patriotism, and a profound sense of melancholy. The tone is both admirative and regretful, celebrating the spirit of those who are ready to "March with banner and bugle and fife / To the death, for their native land," while also lamenting the speaker's own perceived inadequacies.

The poem is structured in a narrative form, beginning with a scene setting in the first stanza, moving on to the introduction and description of Maud in the second stanza, and finally concluding with the speaker's introspective reflections. The structure contributes to the overall storytelling approach, drawing the reader into the scene and the speaker's emotional state.

Literary devices such as personification and vivid imagery are used to create a rich, sensory experience. The phrase "voice pealing up to the sunny sky" gives life to the voice, and the description of Maud's "feet like sunny gems on an English green" paints a vivid picture of the setting. Metaphors are also employed to illustrate the stark contrast between the martial spirit Maud sings about and the speaker's own state of being, creating a sense of self-disparity and longing.

Overall, the poem is a complex exploration of contrasting emotions and states of being, woven together through the skillful use of imagery, metaphor, and narrative structure.

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.