Proem

By Madison Julius Cawein

Lyric Poem
    Oh, for a soul that fulfills     music like that of a bird!     thrilling with rapture the hills,     heedless if any one heard.     Or, like the flower that blooms     lone in the midst of the trees,     filling the woods with perfumes,     careless if any one sees.     Or, like the wandering wind,     over the meadows that swings,     bringing wild sweets to mankind,     knowing not that which it brings.     Oh, for a way to impart!.     beauty, no matter how hard!     like unto nature, whose art     never once dreams of reward.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem exhibits a contemplative tone and explores themes of natural beauty, solitude, and the pure, unselfish expression of art. The speaker yearns for a soul that can create art as effortlessly and selflessly as nature. The recurring structure of the four stanzas, each beginning with a natural metaphor (a bird, a flower, the wind, nature itself) and ending with the speaker's longing, reinforces the central theme.

The poet employs vivid imagery and personification to draw parallels between nature's creations and art. The bird's song, the flower's bloom, and the wind's journey all act independently, without concern for recognition or reward. This serves to highlight and critique human artists' often egotistical motivations for creation, suggesting a yearning for art to be born simply out of the need for expression, not for praise or recognition. The poem's rhythm and rhyme scheme also mirror the simplicity and effortless flow of nature, further emphasizing its message. Overall, the poet's adept use of literary devices and structure creates a compelling argument for the purity of artistic expression.

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.