Loyalty

By Madison Julius Cawein

Lyric Poem
    To Friendship drink, and then to Love,     And last to Loyalty!     The first of these were not enough     Without the last, through whom we prove     That Love is Love, and right enough     What Friendship's self may be.     So here 's to Loyalty!     A sword he wears, but never a mask,     So all the world may see.     Let Friendship set him any task,     Or Love no question doth he ask,     But draws his sword and does his task,     And never takes a fee.     So here's to loyalty!

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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 powerful ode to the virtues of friendship, love, and particularly loyalty. It explores these themes by personifying them, treating them as entities with their own characteristics and actions. The use of personification brings a sense of vividness and immediacy to these abstract concepts, making them more relatable and tangible to the reader. The first stanza introduces the idea that friendship and love, while valuable, are incomplete without the presence of loyalty. This establishes loyalty as an indispensable element in human relationships.

The tone of the poem is celebratory and resolute, and the structure of the poem, with its regular rhythm and rhyme scheme, adds to this sense of determined cheerfulness. The second stanza presents loyalty as a warrior, who wears a sword but never a mask, symbolizing the honesty and courage associated with true loyalty. The repeated refrain, "So here's to loyalty!", reinforces the poem's central theme and adds a note of toasting camaraderie, as if the speaker is raising a glass in tribute.

The poet also employs a clear, straightforward language while conveying a profound message, making the poem accessible to a broad audience. The usage of traditional poetic devices such as rhyme, rhythm, and personification, combined with the universal themes of friendship, love, and loyalty, gives the poem a timeless quality. Overall, the poem is a compelling exploration of the value of loyalty in human relationships, presented in a lively and engaging manner.

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.