Hills Of The West

By Madison Julius Cawein

Lyric Poem
Hills of the west, that gird Forest and farm, Home of the nestling bird, Housing from harm, When on your tops is heard      Storm: Hills of the west, that bar Belts of the gloam, Under the twilight star, Where the mists roam, Take ye the wanderer      Home. Hills of the west, that dream Under the moon, Making of wind and stream, Late-heard and soon, Parts of your lives that seem      Tune. Hills of the west, that take Slumber to ye, Be it for sorrow's sake Or memory, Part of such slumber make      Me.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem portrays a profound relationship between the speaker and the natural world, specifically the "Hills of the west." The poet uses these hills as a metaphor for protection, comfort, and continuity, imbuing them with anthropomorphic attributes as a home for the bird, a barrier against the gloom, a dreamer under the moon, and a refuge for the weary. These hills act as steady, silent guardians, offering a sense of peace and solace.

The poem's tone is reflective and somewhat melancholic, suggesting the speaker's longing to be part of these enduring hills. The structure of the poem, with its repetitive address to the "Hills of the west," reinforces this longing and forms a rhythmic incantation that mirrors the cyclical nature of life. Imagery is a significant literary device used in the poem, where visual sketches of the hills during different times (storm, twilight, under the moon) evoke a sense of time's passage. The final stanza, where the speaker wishes to be part of the hills' slumber, underscores a yearning for rest and unity with nature, possibly even hinting at the speaker's acceptance of mortality.

Overall, the poem is a compelling exploration of human connection with the natural world, reflecting on themes of refuge, time, and mortality, delivered in vivid and emotive language.

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.