The River

By Matthew Arnold

Lyric Poem
    Still glides the stream, slow drops the boat     Under the rustling poplars shade;     Silent the swans beside us float     None speaks, none heeds ah, turn thy head.     Let those arch eyes now softly shine,     That mocking mouth grow sweetly bland:     Ah, let them rest, those eyes, on mine;     On mine let rest that lovely hand.     My pent-up tears oppress my brain,     My heart is swoln with love unsaid:     Ah, let me weep, and tell my pain,     And on thy shoulder rest my head.     Before I die, before the soul,     Which now is mine, must re-attain     Immunity from my control,     And wander round the world again:     Before this teasd oerlabourd heart     For ever leaves its vain employ,     Dead to its deep habitual smart,     And dead to hopes of future joy.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem under scrutiny appears to dwell deeply on the themes of unspoken love, yearning, and the ephemeral nature of life. The tone is poignant and reflective, veined with a sense of melancholy and regret. The poet employs an effortless, flowing structure that mimics the gentle movement of the stream, reflecting the slow passage of time and the steady progression towards an inevitable end.

The poem begins with a serene, natural setting — a quiet stream, a shady poplar, silent swans — which serves as a backdrop for the poet's intimate confession. The use of natural imagery enhances the poem's emotional depth, and the juxtaposition of silence and unspoken feelings symbolizes the poet's internal struggle. The plea for the beloved's attention and for a chance to express his feelings is heart-rending, underscoring the theme of unrequited love.

The latter half of the poem shifts towards the contemplation of mortality and the transient nature of human existence. The poet's profound fear of impending death without having expressed his love is palpable. The use of phrases such as "before I die", "teas’d o’erlabour’d heart" and "dead to hopes of future joy" lends a somber tone to the poem. This melancholic resignation to an unfulfilled love and an uncertain afterlife adds a layer of depth to the poem, making it a poignant exploration of love, longing, and the fleeting nature of life.

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.