Proem. To Myth And Romance

By Madison Julius Cawein

Lyric Poem
    There is no rhyme that is half so sweet     As the song of the wind in the rippling wheat;     There is no metre that's half so fine     As the lilt of the brook under rock and vine;     And the loveliest lyric I ever heard     Was the wildwood strain of a forest bird.--     If the wind and the brook and the bird would teach     My heart their beautiful parts of speech.     And the natural art that they say these with,     My soul would sing of beauty and myth     In a rhyme and a metre that none before     Have sung in their love, or dreamed in their lore,     And the world would be richer one poet the more.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem exudes a profound appreciation for the natural world and its inherent music, using the sounds of the wind, a brook, and a bird as metaphors for originality and authenticity in poetry. The primary theme is the aspiration for natural beauty and originality in creative expression, specifically in the realm of poetry.

The poem's tone is both wistful and aspirational. The poet yearns to learn from nature's "beautiful parts of speech" and to imbue their own poetry with the same unadorned elegance. The structure of the poem follows a clear progression from admiration of nature's verse to a longing to incorporate these elements into the speaker's own poetic voice.

Key literary devices include personification, with the wind, brook, and bird all assigned the human ability to teach, and rich, evocative imagery, which paints a vivid picture of the natural world and its sounds. The poem concludes with a hopeful note, a dream of contributing to the world's wealth of poetry, guided by the timeless rhythms of nature. This all points to a deep respect for the natural world not just as a source of aesthetic beauty, but also as a source of artistic inspiration and wisdom.

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.