A Song Of Cheer

By Madison Julius Cawein

Lyric Poem
    Be of good cheer, and have no fear     Of Fortune or Tomorrow:     To Hope's low whisper lend an ear     And turn away from Sorrow.     Time out of mind the soul is blind     To things God sends as blessings:     And Fortune often proves unkind     Merely in foolish guessings.     Within the soul we bear the whole     Of Hell and also Heaven;     And 'twixt the two is set the goal     Of dreams our lives have driven.     What counts above all deeds is Love,     And Friendship, that, remember,     In heart-beats keeps Life's record of     Its April and December.     To every one come rain and sun,     And calm and stormy weather:     What helps is not what Life has done,     But Life and Love together.     Of sun and rain and joy and pain     The web of Life is woven;     And ever through it runs the skein     Of Hope, with strand uncloven.     Now high in air it glitters fair;     Now dims beyond divining;     But still the thread winds golden there,     Although no longer shining.     Be of good cheer and have no fear     Of any care or sorrow;     The clouds at last will disappear,     And the sun will shine tomorrow.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem is a poignant reflection on life's trials and tribulations, with a strong emphasis on the themes of hope, love, and resilience. The poet encourages the reader to remain optimistic even in the face of adversity, referring to the duality of life's experiences - pain and joy, sun and rain, Heaven and Hell - and the overarching importance of love and friendship in navigating these experiences. The tone is gentle and reassuring, encouraging the reader to 'be of good cheer' and 'have no fear'.

In terms of structure, the poet uses a consistent rhyme scheme (ABAB) that gives the poem a rhythmic quality, making it feel almost like a comforting lullaby. This is further enhanced by the use of repetition, particularly in the first and last stanzas, which bookend the poem with a powerful message of optimism and fortitude.

One standout literary device in the poem is the use of metaphor, notably in the lines 'Within the soul we bear the whole / Of Hell and also Heaven'. This metaphor not only highlights the spectrum of human emotions and experiences, but also underscores the internal struggle that is often inherent in life. Also noteworthy is the symbol of the 'golden thread' of hope weaving through the 'web of Life', an image that serves to reinforce the poem's central theme of enduring optimism.

In conclusion, the poem offers a heartfelt exploration of life's ups and downs, imbued with a potent sense of hope and resilience. It is a testament to the power of positive thinking and the human capacity to face adversity with courage and grace.

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.