To -- (IV)

By Edgar Allan Poe

Lyric Poem
The bowers whereat, in dreams, I see The wantonest singing birds, Are lips, and all thy melody Of lip-begotten words, Thine eyes, in Heaven of heart enshrined, Then desolately fall, O God! on my funereal mind Like starlight on a pall, Thy heart, thy heart!, I wake and sigh, And sleep to dream till day Of the truth that gold can never buy, Of the baubles that it may.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem weaves a journey through realms of dreams, yearning, and melancholia, carving out space for an intense personal experience. The poet begins with a vibrant image of "bowers" and "singing birds," alluding to a dreamlike state filled with desire and beauty. These bowers and birds are metaphors for "lips" and "lip-begotten words," indicating a longing for intimate communication and connection.

The poem then takes a somber turn as the poet's gaze shifts to the "eyes" of the beloved, falling "on my funereal mind / Like starlight on a pall." Here, the tone becomes one of sorrow and loneliness, implying a sense of unrequited love or loss. The starlight symbolizes a glimmer of hope, but it's muted by the pall, a symbol of death and mourning. The speaker then expresses a pained wakefulness, punctuated by sighs and dreams of unattainable truth that "gold can never buy." This final line reinforces the theme of longing, revealing a critique of material wealth and a yearning for something more profound and spiritual. The poem's structure, oscillating between dreamlike desire and harsh reality, serves to underscore the intensity of these emotions. The use of vivid imagery, metaphoric language, and rhythmic shifts effectively enhances the poem's emotive 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.