Easter Day. (From The Villagers Verse-Book.)

By William Lisle Bowles

Lyric Poem
     Who comes (my soul no longer doubt),     Rising from earth's wormy sod,     And whilst ten thousand angels sing,     Ascends - ascends to heaven, a God?      Saviour, Lord, I know thee now!     Mighty to redeem and save,     Such glory blazes on thy brow,     Which lights the darkness of the grave.      Saviour, Lord, the human soul,     Forgotten every sorrow here,     Shall thus, aspiring to its goal,     Triumph in its native sphere.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a powerful discourse on faith, redemption and divine ascension. It employs religious imagery and language to explore the themes of human impermanence, divine transcendence, and the promise of spiritual salvation. The poem opens with a question, setting a tone of reverence and awe towards the divine entity, who rises from "earth's wormy sod," a metaphorical representation of human mortality and decay. This entity, referred to as a 'Saviour' and 'Lord', is portrayed as a triumphant figure, bringing light to the darkness of the grave, symbolizing hope and salvation.

The second half of the poem shifts focus from the divine to the human soul. The tone becomes more introspective and hopeful, marking a transition from the awe-inspiring depiction of the divine to a more personal, intimate exploration of the human soul's journey towards its "native sphere", a possible reference to heaven or a state of spiritual fulfillment. The poem's structure, alternating between reflection on the divine and human experience, effectively contrasts human mortality with divine immortality, and earthly suffering with heavenly triumph. The use of repetition, particularly in the phrases 'Saviour, Lord,' emphasizes the speaker's faith and reverence, while the triumphant conclusion offers a sense of closure and fulfillment, affirming the poem's central theme of spiritual salvation and transcendence.

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.