To -- (I)

Author: Edgar Allan Poe

I heed not that my earthly lot
Hathlittle of Earth in it,
That years of love have been forgot
In the hatred of a minute:
I mourn not that the desolate
Are happier, sweet, than I,
But that you sorrow for my fate
Who am a passer-by.
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Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poignant piece of poetry traces themes of regret, transience, and emotional turmoil. The speaker seems to be expressing a resigned acceptance of their lot in life, which lacks earthly or material pleasures. This acceptance is underscored by an undercurrent of melancholy, made more acute by the fleeting nature of love and the enduring presence of hatred, as signified by "years of love have been forgot in the hatred of a minute."

The poet's choice of a simplistic, almost stark, structure with a regular rhyme scheme lends a rhythm that reinforces the cyclical nature of the themes explored. Sorrow and happiness are juxtaposed in a way that underscores the speaker's sense of desolation, even as they assert their indifference to earthly pleasures. The phrase "Who am a passer-by," suggests a transient existence, further enhancing the overall theme of fleeting emotions. The tone of resignation and melancholy is further heightened through this phrase, presenting the speaker as a detached observer of their own life. The poet's use of contrast and paradox, such as love being forgotten in a moment of hate, and the desolate being happier, serve to highlight the speaker's emotional conflict and internal turmoil, making this a deeply moving and introspectively rich piece of poetry.

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.