Be Glad

By Madison Julius Cawein

Lyric Poem
    Be glad, just for to-day!     O heart, be glad!     Cast all your cares away!     Doff all that 's sad!     Put of your garments gray     Be glad to-day!     Be merry while you-can;     For life is short     It seemeth but a span     Before we part.     Let each maid take her man,     And dance while dance she can:     Life's but a little span     Be merry while you can.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a vibrant and uplifting call to joy and mirth, focusing on themes of carpe diem (seizing the day) and the transience of life. The tone is simultaneously urgent and jovial, urging the reader to cast off sorrow and embrace happiness.

The poem's structure, with its repetitive phrases and consistent rhyme scheme, creates a rhythmic quality that mirrors a joyful dance. This musicality reinforces the poem's main message of making the most out of life. Standout literary devices include the use of apostrophe (directly addressing an abstract "heart") and personification (giving human attributes such as being "glad" to the heart). The use of the word 'span' is a poignant metaphor for the brevity of life, emphasizing the necessity of grabbing happiness while one can.

Overall, the poem is a celebration of life's fleeting moments and the importance of finding joy within them, crafted with an engaging rhythm and meaningful metaphors. It serves as a reminder that life's melancholy aspects should not overshadow the opportunity to experience joy and love.

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.