Sancta Maria

By Edgar Allan Poe

Lyric Poem
Sancta Maria! turn thine eyes, Upon the sinner's sacrifice, Of fervent prayer and humble love, From thy holy throne above. At morn, at noon, at twilight dim, Maria! thou hast heard my hymn! In joy and wo, in good and ill, Mother of God, be with me still! When the Hours flew brightly by, And not a cloud obscured the sky, My soul, lest it should truant be, Thy grace did guide to thine and thee; Now, when storms of Fate o'ercast Darkly my Present and my Past, Let my Future radiant shine With sweet hopes of thee and thine!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The examined poem is rich in religious sentiment, steeped in Catholic imagery and an atmosphere of supplication. The speaker implores the Virgin Mary (Sancta Maria) for guidance and support, thus setting the overarching themes of devotion, repentance, and the desire for divine intervention in times of distress. The tone is both humble and hopeful, expressing the speaker's deep faith and dependence on the divine.

In terms of structure, the poem follows a clear rhyme scheme, enhancing its lyrical quality and echoing the rhythm of hymns or prayers, reinforcing the religious theme. The temporal references in the poem, "at morn, at noon, at twilight dim," and the transitions from past to present and future, suggest the constancy of the speaker's faith, regardless of life's changing circumstances. Literary devices like personification (Hours flew brightly by) and metaphoric contrasts (not a cloud obscured the sky vs. storms of Fate o'ercast) are used effectively to underscore the speaker's emotional journey from serenity to turmoil. The concluding lines leave the reader with a sense of hope and faith in the divine, underlining the poem's central message of unwavering belief and surrender to a higher power.

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.