Circumstance

By Alfred Lord Tennyson

Lyric Poem
Two children in two neighbor villages Playing mad pranks along the heathy leas; Two strangers meeting at a festival; Two lovers whispering by an orchard wall: Two lives bound fast in one with golden ease; Two graves grass-green beside a gray church-tower, Washd with still rains and daisy-blossomed; Two children in one hamlet born and bred: So runs the round of life from hour to hour.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem vividly explores the cyclical nature of life and the interconnectedness of human experiences, using the recurring motif of "two." The poet uses the lives of two children from neighboring villages as a microcosm of larger human existence, portraying a multitude of shared experiences - from innocent play, to unexpected encounters, love, unity, death, and back to birth. The tone of the poem is gently melancholic yet accepting; it acknowledges the inevitability and universality of these life stages without descending into despair.

Structurally, the poem's symmetrical composition reflects its theme of life's cyclical nature. The poet's use of vivid imagery, personification, and careful word choice enhances the emotional resonance of each life stage. For instance, the phrase "golden ease" conjures a sense of idyllic happiness, while "graves grass-green" and "gray church-tower" juxtapose the vibrancy of life with the solemnity of death. Meanwhile, the use of "still rains" and "daisy-blossomed" to describe the graves creates a calming, peaceful image, suggesting reconciliation and acceptance of mortality. Overall, this poem is a poignant meditation on the shared, cyclical journey of human life.

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.