Helens Tower

By Alfred Lord Tennyson

Helens tower, here I stand, Dominant over sea and land. Sons love built me, and I hold Mothers love in letterd gold. Love is in and out of time, I am mortal stone and lime. Would my granite girth were strong As either love, to last as long I should wear my crown entire To and thro the Doomsday fire, And be found of angel eyes In earths recurring Paradise.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:
This poem exudes a deep sense of romanticism, illustrating love as a powerful and transcendent force. The central image of "Helen's tower" serves as a metaphor for the enduring strength and longevity of love. The "dominant" position of the tower "over sea and land" suggests the universal nature of love, and its power to conquer all temporal and spatial boundaries.

The poem's structure unfolds in a way that mirrors the building of the tower, each line adding another layer to the edifice of emotion it represents. The poet employs a simple but effective rhyme scheme, imbuing the poem with a rhythmic quality that echoes the timelessness of love. The "letterd gold" is a poignant symbol of precious, preserved love, underscoring the poem's theme.

The poet's use of language is also worth noting; the words are simple, but they carry profound meaning. The contrast between the "mortal stone and lime" of the tower and the immortal nature of love is striking. It evokes a sense of longing, as if the tower, despite its solid form, yearns for the enduring strength of love. This juxtaposition adds a poignant layer to the poem, touching on themes of impermanence and the desire for eternity.

Finally, the poem's tone is one of reverence and awe, as it contemplates the power of love to withstand even the "Doomsday fire". The imagery of "angel eyes" and "earth's recurring Paradise" lend a sense of the divine to the poem, reinforcing the idea that love, in its truest form, is a sacred, celestial force.

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.