A Rose O' The Hills

By Madison Julius Cawein

Lyric Poem
The hills look down on wood and stream, On orchard-land and farm; And o'er the hills the azure-gray Of heaven bends the livelong day With thoughts of calm and storm. On wood and stream the hills look down, On farm and orchard-land; And o'er the hills she came to me Through wildrose-brake and blackberry, The hill wind hand in hand. The hills look down on home and field, On wood and winding stream; And o'er the hills she came along, Upon her lips a woodland song, And in her eyes, a dream. On home and field the hills look down, On stream and vistaed wood; And breast-deep, with disordered hair, Fair in the wildrose tangle there, A sudden space she stood. O hills, that look on rock and road, On grove and harvest-field, To whom God giveth rest and peace, And slumber, that is kin to these, And visions unrevealed! O hills, that look on road and rock, On field and fruited grove, What now is mine of peace and rest In you! since entered at my breast God's sweet unrest of love!

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline

Share the Love of Poetry
More Poems
More Lyric Poems
Daily Poem

Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem beautifully captures the themes of nature, love, and introspection. It is a serene yet emotionally charged piece, using the imagery of the hills, wood, stream, and orchard-land as symbols of stability and tranquility, and as a backdrop to the human emotions unfolding.

The structure of the poem, with its repetitive lines, imparts a rhythmic, soothing quality, much like the ebb and flow of nature itself. This repetition also underscores the constant presence and watchful eyes of the hills, highlighting their silent, unchanging observation of human life and emotions.

The tone of the poem is one of quiet reflection and deep reverence for both nature and love. It takes a turn from the third stanza, where a female figure is introduced, and the poem transitions from observing the natural world to a more personal and emotional realm. The 'woodland song' on her lips and 'dream' in her eyes bring an element of mystery and romance. The 'disordered hair' and 'wildrose tangle' further underscore the raw, organic, and passionate nature of love.

The concluding stanzas introduce a spiritual element, with references to God and 'visions unrevealed'. Here, love is presented as both a blessing and a 'sweet unrest', indicating the joy and turmoil it brings. The poet seems to find peace and rest in the hills, in nature, and in this newfound love. The use of the phrase 'God's sweet unrest of love' is particularly striking, imbuing the poem with a sense of divine, transcendent love that is both peaceful and unsettling.

Overall, the poem is a beautiful blend of nature and human emotion, with love being the binding force. It weaves together elements of the physical, emotional, and spiritual, creating a tapestry of quiet introspection and deep passion.

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.