To One in Paradise

By Edgar Allan Poe

Lyric Poem
Thou wast that all to me, love, For which my soul did pine, A green isle in the sea, love, A fountain and a shrine, All wreathed with fairy fruits and flowers, And all the flowers were mine. Ah, dream too bright to last! Ah, starry Hope! that didst arise But to be overcast! A voice from out the Future cries, "On! on!", but o'er the Past (Dim gulf!) my spirit hovering lies Mute, motionless, aghast! For, alas! alas! with me The light of Life is o'er! "No more, no more, no more", (Such language holds the solemn sea To the sands upon the shore) Shall bloom the thunder-blasted tree, Or the stricken eagle soar! And all my days are trances, And all my nightly dreams Are where thy dark eye glances, And where thy footstep gleams, In what ethereal dances, By what eternal streams! Alas! for that accursed time They bore thee o'er the billow, From love to titled age and crime, And an unholy pillow! From me, and from our misty clime, Where weeps the silver willow!

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline

Share the Love of Poetry
More Poems
More Lyric Poems
Daily Poem

Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem encapsulates the themes of lost love, despair, and longing, with a tone that is poignant and melancholic. The poet uses vivid imagery to portray the intense nature of his feelings, painting a picture of the loved one as a haven - a 'green isle in the sea' and a 'fountain and a shrine.' This suggests that the beloved was not just a romantic interest, but also a source of comfort and spiritual sustenance.

The structure of the poem, with its rhythmic cadence and regular rhyme scheme, creates a sense of order and continuity that contrasts with the chaotic emotions being expressed. Notable literary devices include the use of metaphor, such as the 'thunder-blasted tree' and 'stricken eagle' symbolizing the speaker's devastation and inability to rise above his sorrow. The repetition of 'no more' and 'alas' further emphasizes the depth of his despair.

The poet also employs natural elements like the sea, sand, and willow tree to convey the mood and mirror his emotional state. The sea, for instance, represents the vast, insurmountable distance between the speaker and his beloved, while the weeping willow reflects his own sorrow.

Overall, the poem is a poignant exploration of love and loss, showcasing the poet's ability to evoke powerful emotions through the use of vivid imagery and metaphor. It resonates with anyone who has experienced heartbreak, making it both timeless and universally relatable.

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.