Joy's Magic

By Madison Julius Cawein

Lyric Poem
    Joy's is the magic sweet,     That makes Youth's pulses beat,     Puts music in young feet,     The old heart hears, the sad heart hears, that 's near it:     And Joy's the pleasant pain,     That holds us, heart and brain,     When Old Age, sound and sane,     With memories nears, long memories nears the spirit.     Joy's is the witchery rare,     That on the face of Care     Puts smiles; and rapture where     Love holds her breath, her heart's wild breath, to still her:     And Joy it is that plays     On Time's old lute of days     As Life goes on her ways     With thoughts of Death, gray thoughts of Death, that chill her.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem, marked by its rhythmic cadence and effective use of repetition, explores the theme of joy as a transformative, all-encompassing force that weaves itself throughout the various stages of human life--youth, old age, and even in the face of love, time, and the inevitability of death. The tone is both celebratory and reflective, acknowledging joy's ability to invigorate the young and comfort the old, while also serving as a counterpoint to life's more somber moments.

Structurally, the poem employs a consistent rhythm and rhyme scheme which, paired with the use of repetition, creates a musical quality that mirrors the "music in young feet" mentioned in the poem. Each stanza focuses on a different aspect of life, with joy acting as the constant thread, highlighting its enduring presence. The poet uses metaphoric language and personification, presenting 'Old Age', 'Time', 'Death' and 'Life' as characters influenced by joy. This gives the abstract concept of joy a tangible presence, reinforcing its powerful role. Standout literary devices include the oxymoron in "pleasant pain" and the alliteration in "heart's wild breath", which add richness and depth to the poet's contemplation of joy's multifaceted nature.

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.