A Welcome To Alexandra

By Alfred Lord Tennyson

Lyric Poem
Sea-kings daughter from over the sea, Alexandra! Saxon and Norman and Dane are we, But all of us Danes in our welcome of thee, Alexandra! Welcome her, thunders of fort and of fleet! Welcome her, thundering cheer of the street! Welcome her, all things youthful and sweet, Scatter the blossom under her feet! Break, happy land, into earlier flowers! Make music, O bird, in the new-budded bowers! Blazon your mottos of blessing and prayer! Welcome her, welcome her, all that is ours! Warble, O bugle, and trumpet, blare! Flags, flutter out upon turrets and towers! Flames, on the windy headland flare! Utter your jubilee, steeple and spire! Clash, ye bells, in the merry March air! Flash, ye cities, in rivers of fire! Rush to the roof, sudden rocket, and higher Melt into stars for the lands desire! Roll and rejoice, jubilant voice, Roll as a ground-swell dashd on the strand, Roar as the sea when he welcomes the land, And welcome her, welcome the lands desire, The sea-kings daughter as happy as fair, Blissful bride of a blissful heir, Bride of the heir of the kings of the sea O joy to the people and joy to the throne, Come to us, love us, and make us your own: For Saxon or Dane or Norman we, Teuton or Celt, or whatever we be, We are each all Dane in our welcome of thee, Alexandra!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem presents an enthusiastic and joyous welcome for the character Alexandra, a figure of royalty referred to as the "sea-king's daughter." The poem is a celebration of her arrival, utilizing a variety of vibrant, energetic imagery to express the jubilant atmosphere. The repeated refrain "welcome her" adds to the feeling of enthusiasm and excitement, fostering an inclusive and communal spirit.

The themes of unity and multiculturalism are also present, as the poem emphasizes the blending of different cultures — Saxon, Norman, Dane, Teuton, Celt — all united in welcoming Alexandra. The poem's tone is festive and triumphant, with a touch of reverence for the arriving royalty. The structure of the poem, with its rhythmic, chant-like quality and repetition, adds to the celebratory mood. The poet uses a number of literary devices, including personification, as in "thunders of fort and fleet" and "flash, ye cities, in rivers of fire," to animate the surroundings and intensify the welcoming ceremony. Moreover, the vivid use of imagery, such as "scatter the blossom under her feet" and "flames, on the windy headland flare," creates an evocative, joyful spectacle. The overall interpretation of this poem is a celebration of unity, diversity, and joyful anticipation in the arrival of a beloved figure.

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.