Ba

Author: Madison Julius Cawein


TO LITTLE M. E. C. G.


 Deep in baby Mary's eyes,
 Baby Mary's sweet blue eyes,
 Dwell the golden memories
 Of the music once her ears
 Heard in far-off Paradise;
 So she has no time for tears, 
 Baby Mary, 
 Listening to the songs she hears.

 Soft in baby Mary's face,
 Baby Mary's lovely face,
 If you watch, you, too, may trace
 Dreams her spirit-self hath seen
 In some far-off Eden-place,
 Whence her soul she can not wean, 
 Baby Mary, 
 Dreaming in a world between.

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 touching poem predominantly focuses on the theme of innocence, employing the motif of a baby named Mary to convey purity and untarnished wonder. The poet uses the repetition of "Baby Mary" to emphasize her youth and innocence, while the color "blue" in her eyes signifies serenity and tranquility. The poem seems to indicate that Mary, being so young, still holds memories of a heavenly or spiritual past ("far-off Paradise", "far-off Eden-place"), suggesting themes of pre-existence or reincarnation.

The tone of the poem is soft and tender, mirroring the poet's gentle perception of Baby Mary. The structure of the poem, with its repeating final lines, creates a comforting, lullaby-like rhythm, further emphasizing the peacefulness of the subject. The poet uses dreams and music as metaphors, representing the child's connection to a past spiritual existence and her current state of blissful ignorance towards worldly sorrows. The poem, thus, presents a romanticized view of childhood where sorrow is absent, and the world is filled with dreams, songs, and memories of a celestial past.

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.