Her Vivien Eyes

Author: Madison Julius Cawein

    Her Vivien eyes, - beware! beware! 
    Though they be stars, a deadly snare
    They set beneath her night of hair.
    Regard them not! lest, drawing near 
    As sages once in old Chaldee
    Thou shouldst become a worshiper,
    And they thy evil destiny.

    Her Vivien eyes, - away! away!
    Though they be springs, remorseless they
    Gleam underneath her brow's bright day.
    Turn, turn aside, whate'er the cost!
    Lest in their deeps thou lures behold,
    Through which thy captive soul were lost,
    As was young Hylas once of old.

    Her Vivien eyes, - take heed! take heed! 
    Though they be bibles, none may read
    Therein of God or Holy Creed.
    Look, look away! lest thou be cursed,
    As Merlin was, romances tell,
    And in their sorcerous spells immersed,
    Hoping for Heaven thou chance on Hell.
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Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a cautionary tale of fascination, temptation, and their potential dangers. The speaker warns the reader of the enchanting allure of "Her Vivien eyes," using a repeated refrain, which creates an atmosphere of urgency and dread. The woman's eyes are described through various metaphors, each one possessing a dual nature – they're likened to stars, springs, and bibles, but each also carries a perilous trap or misleading deception.

The tone of the poem is ominous and foreboding, suggesting the catastrophic consequences of succumbing to dangerous attractions. The references to old stories, such as sages in Chaldee, young Hylas, and Merlin, add depth and universality to the poem's theme. These allusions also imply the age-old nature of the protagonist's predicament, reinforcing the sense of timeless cautionary wisdom. The poem's structure, with its repeating stanzas and refrains, reinforces the relentless allure of the woman's eyes and the constant vigilance required to resist them. The final lines, "Hoping for Heaven thou chance on Hell," encapsulate the poem's central message about the perils of misunderstanding or misreading appearances.

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.