A Dream Within A Dream

By Edgar Allan Poe

Lyric Poem
Take this kiss upon the brow! And, in parting from you now, Thus much let me avow You are not wrong, who deem That my days have been a dream: Yet if hope has flown away In a night, or in a day, In a vision or in none, Is it therefore the less gone? All that we see or seem Is but a dream within a dream. I stand amid the roar Of a surf-tormented shore, And I hold within my hand Grains of the golden sand How few! yet how they creep Through my fingers to the deep While I weep while I weep! O God! can I not grasp Them with a tighter clasp? O God! can I not save One from the pitiless wave? Is all that we see or seem But a dream within a dream?

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem is a profound exploration of existential anxiety, questioning the nature of reality versus illusion and the impermanence of life. The dual stanza structure allows for a progression of thought and emotional intensity, starting with a personal confession and culminating in a desperate plea.

The first stanza sets the tone with its intimate and melancholic mood, as the speaker acknowledges the dream-like quality of their existence and the fleeting nature of hope. The repetition of "dream" underscores the theme of life's ephemeral and illusory nature. The second stanza amplifies this theme, shifting from the abstract to a vividly physical metaphor. The speaker stands on a beach, attempting to hold onto grains of sand that slip away regardless of their efforts, symbolizing the inevitable passage of time and the inescapability of loss. The repetition of "O God! can I not," strengthens the sense of desperation and helplessness.

Ironically, the only certainty in the poem is uncertainty itself, encapsulated in the repeated line "All that we see or seem / Is but a dream within a dream," which serves as a refrain tying the two stanzas together. The poem is both a philosophical musing and an emotional lament, expressing a common human desire to hold onto moments, to control the uncontrollable, and to grasp the ungraspable.

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.