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By Madison Julius Cawein

Lyric Poem
    The night is loud with reeds of rain     Rejoicing at my window-pane,     And murmuring, "Spring comes again!"     I hear the wind take up their song     And on the sky's vibrating gong     Beat out and roar it all night long.     Then waters, where they pour their might     In foam, halloo it down the night,     From vale to vale and height to height.     And I thank God that down the deep     She comes, her ancient tryst to keep     With Earth again who wakes from sleep:     From death and sleep, that held her fast     So long, pale cerements round her cast,     Her penetential raiment vast.     Now, Lazarus-like, within her grave     She stirs, who hears the words that save,     The Christ-like words of wind and wave.     And, hearing, bids her soul prepare     The germs of blossoms in her there     To make her body sweet and fair;     To meet in manifest audience     The eyes of Spring, and reverence,     With beauty, God in soul and sense.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem relishes in the rejuvenation and rebirth brought by the advent of spring. The poet uses a rich tapestry of sounds and imagery, personifying elements of nature - the rain, the wind, the waters, and the earth - as active participants in the celebration of spring. Through the 'reeds of rain' and the 'wind's song', the poet expertly uses auditory imagery to create an atmosphere of joyous anticipation.

The poem's structure is tightly woven, with a rhythmic flow that echoes the cyclical nature of the seasons. The recurring themes of resurrection and renewal are captured through the allusion to Lazarus, a biblical figure raised from the dead, representing the earth waking from its 'death and sleep'. This image is enriched with the 'germs of blossoms', signifying potential and new life.

The poet's choice to end the poem by merging the physical ('body sweet and fair') with the spiritual ('God in soul and sense') represents the unity of the physical world and the divine, a common theme in much of transcendental and romantic literature. Overall, the poem is a beautifully crafted homage to spring, evoking both the earthly and the ethereal in its celebration of renewal.

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.