Song: A Spirit Haunts The Years Last Hours

By Alfred Lord Tennyson

Lyric Poem
I. A spirit haunts the years last hours Dwelling amid these yellowing bowers: To himself he talks; For at eventide, listening earnestly, At his work you may hear him sob and sigh In the walks; Earthward he boweth the heavy stalks Of the mouldering flowers: Heavily hangs the broad sunflower Over its grave i the earth so chilly; Heavily hangs the hollyhock, Heavily hangs the tiger-lily. II. The air is damp, and hushd, and close, As a sick mans room when he taketh repose An hour before death; My very heart faints and my whole soul grieves At the moist rich smell of the rotting leaves, And the breath Of the fading edges of box beneath, And the years last rose. Heavily hangs the broad sunflower Over its grave i the earth so chilly; Heavily hangs the hollyhock, Heavily hangs the tiger-lily.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poignant poem is steeped in themes of mortality, decay, and the passage of time. It is constructed in two stanzas, each having its own distinct atmosphere but connected through shared imagery and a recurring refrain. The first stanza introduces a spirit, a figure that embodies the melancholy and inevitable decline of the year's end. The personification of the spirit, who speaks to himself and sobs, imbues the poem with a sense of introspection and solitude. The drooping flowers - sunflower, hollyhock, and tiger-lily - serve as vivid symbols of life's transience.

The second stanza further amplifies the mood of melancholia, drawing parallels between the surrounding nature and human life nearing its end. The air's dampness, the scent of rotting leaves, and the 'year's last rose' contribute to an oppressive atmosphere of finality, akin to a dying man's room. The refrain of the 'heavily' hanging flowers ties back to the first stanza, reinforcing the theme of decay and underlining the cyclical nature of life and death. The poet's use of sensory language and rich description effectively creates a compelling, somber portrait of autumn's end, exploring our shared mortality through the lens of the natural world.

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.