Adventurers

By Madison Julius Cawein

Lyric Poem
    Seemingly over the hill-tops,     Possibly under the hills,     A tireless wing that never drops,     And a song that never stills.     Epics heard on the stars' lips?     Lyrics read in the dew?     To sing the song at our finger-tips,     And live the world anew!     Cavaliers of the Corts kind,     Bold and stern and strong,     And, oh, for a fine and muscular mind     To sing a new-world's song!     Sailing seas of the silver morn,     Winds of the balm and spice,     To put the old-world art to scorn     At the price of any price!     Danger, death, but the hope high!     God's, if the propose fail!     Into the deeds of a vaster sky     Sailing a dauntless sail.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem encompasses a range of themes, including the exploration of new frontiers, human perseverance, and the transformative power of art. The poet uses vivid imagery, such as 'over the hill-tops' and 'under the hills,' to represent the unknown or unexplored. This is further echoed in the lines 'Cavaliers of the Corts kind,' a reference to explorers like Hernán Cortés, suggesting a courageously adventurous spirit, and an eagerness to face 'danger, death' in the pursuit of discovery.

The tone of the poem is both inspiring and assertive, encouraging the reader to rise to challenges and push beyond boundaries. The repeated references to 'song' and 'sing' in the poem are metaphors for creative self-expression, and the poet's call for a 'fine and muscular mind' to 'sing a new-world's song' suggests a desire for robust, innovative thinking that can reshape and rejuvenate the world. The poem's structure, consisting of a succession of quatrains with a simple ABAB rhyme scheme, underscores its direct, forward-looking message. Its standout literary device is its use of powerful, evocative imagery to convey the epic, adventurous spirit of its themes.

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.