A Catch.

Author: Madison Julius Cawein

    When roads are mired with ice and snow,
    And the air of morn is crisp with rime;
    When the holly hangs by the mistletoe,
    And bells ring in the CHRISTMAS time: - 
    It's - Saddle, my Heart, and ride away,
    To the sweet-faced girl with the eyes of gray!
    Who waits with a smile for the gifts you bring - 
    A man's strong love and a wedding-ring - 
        It's - Saddle, my Heart, and ride!

    When vanes veer North and storm-winds blow,
    And the sun of noon is a blur o'erhead;
    When the holly hangs by the mistletoe,
    And the CHRISTMAS service is sung and said: - 
    It's - Come, O my Heart, and wait awhile,
    Where the organ peals, in the altar aisle,
    For the gifts that the church now gives to you - 
    A woman's hand and a heart that's true.
        It's - Come, O my Heart, and wait!

    When rooms gleam warm with the fire's glow,
    And the sleet raps sharp on the window-pane;
    When the holly hangs by the mistletoe,
    And CHRISTMAS revels begin again: - 
    It's - Home, O my Heart, and love, at last!
    And her happy breast to your own held fast;
    A song to sing and a tale to tell,
    A good-night kiss, and all is well.
        It's - Home, O my Heart, and love!
Send via Email Share via WhatsApp Share on X

Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem employs vivid imagery and narrative structure to convey themes of love, persistence, and homecoming set against the backdrop of the Christmas season. Each stanza unfolds a different stage of the journey, with the recurring setting of the Christmas season providing continuity and a sense of expectation. The poet's use of repetition, particularly the phrase "When the holly hangs by the mistletoe," creates a rhythmic backbone for the poem that emphasizes the cyclical nature of time and the enduring spirit of love.

The tone of the poem is one of longing and anticipation, but also of warmth and fulfilment. The poet effectively uses the metaphor of a journey to symbolize the protagonist’s quest for love. The repeated call to the speaker's heart to "saddle," "wait," and finally come "home" is a poignant depiction of the emotional trajectory of love. The poet’s use of weather as a metaphor for emotional states is also noteworthy: the “crisp” morning, the “blur” of the sun at noon, and the “sharp” sleet at night echo the excitement, uncertainty, and finally the comforting certainty of love. The language is rich and evocative, capturing the festive spirit of Christmas while also articulating a universal human yearning for connection and belonging.

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.