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By Madison Julius Cawein

Lyric Poem
    When I behold how some pursue     Fame, that is Care's embodiment     Or fortune, whose false face looks true,     An humble home with sweet content     Is all I ask for me and you.     An humble home, where pigeons coo,     Whose path leads under breezy lines     Of frosty-berried cedars to     A gate, one mass of trumpet-vines,     Is all I ask for me and you.     A garden, which all summer through,     The roses old make redolent,     And morning-glories, gay of hue,     And tansy, with its homely scent,     Is all I ask for me and you.     An orchard, that the pippins strew,     From whose bruised gold the juices spring;     A vineyard, where the grapes hang blue,     Wine-big and ripe for vintaging,     Is all I ask for me and you.     A lane that leads to some far view     Of forest or of fallow-land,     Bloomed o'er with rose and meadow-rue,     Each with a bee in its hot hand,     Is all I ask for me and you.     At morn, a pathway deep with dew,     And birds to vary time and tune;     At eve, a sunset avenue,     And whippoorwills that haunt the moon,     Is all I ask for me and you.     Dear heart, with wants so small and few,     And faith, that's better far than gold,     A lowly friend, a child or two,     To care for us when we are old,     Is all I ask for me and you.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is thematically centered around the concept of modesty, simplicity and contentment in life. The speaker rejects pursuits of fame and fortune, instead seeking solace and satisfaction in the humble comforts of home and nature. There is a recurring refrain "Is all I ask for me and you" that echoes the speaker's modest desires, reinforcing the theme of contentment and simplicity.

The poem's tone is soft, serene, and reflective, mirroring the peacefulness of the life the speaker craves. Nature and domesticity intermingle throughout the poem, with vivid imagery of gardens, orchards, morning-glories, and vineyards. The speaker emphasizes the beauty and tranquility inherent in these simple pleasures, further rejecting the hustle and stress associated with the pursuit of fame and wealth. There's an effective use of rhymes and rhythm which gives the poem a musical, almost hymnal quality, underscoring its meditative nature.

The structure of the poem, consisting of seven stanzas with five lines each, and a regular rhyme scheme, contributes to the poem's overall sense of balance and harmony. This reflects the speaker's desire for a balanced and harmonious life. There's a notable use of repetition, where each stanza ends with the refrain amplifying the speaker's modest requests. This repetition not only reinforces the theme but also gives the poem a rhythmic structure and uniformity.

In terms of literary devices, the poem uses vivid imagery and personification, especially in its description of nature - "A lane that leads to some far view / Of forest or of fallow-land, / Bloomed o'er with rose and meadow-rue, / Each with a bee in its hot hand,". This adds depth to the poem and makes the reader visualize and almost experience the tranquility the speaker seeks. The poem is also rich in metaphors, especially when comparing fame to "Care's embodiment" and fortune to a "false face", subtly expressing the speaker's disdain for

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.