The Village Bells. (From The Villagers Verse-Book.)

By William Lisle Bowles

Lyric Poem
     Who does not love the village bells,     Their cheerful peal, and solemn toll!      One of the rustic wedding tells,     And one bespeaks a parting soul.      The lark in sunshine sings his song,     And, dressed in garments white and gay,     The village lasses trip along,     For this is Susan's wedding-day.      Ah! gather flowers of sweetest hue,     Young violets from the bank's green side,     And on poor Mary's coffin strew,     For in the bloom of life she died.      So passes life! the smile, the tear,     Succeed, as in our path we stray,     Thy kingdom come, for we are here     As guests who tarry but a day.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem delicately weaves together the themes of life, death, and the passage of time, all set within the bucolic backdrop of a village. The village bells serve as a symbol of life's milestones, heralding both joyous occasions like weddings, and somber ones, such as death. This juxtaposition underscores the cyclical nature of life and the inevitability of death, an idea further reinforced by the contrasting images of lighthearted village lasses celebrating a wedding and the tragic death of a young woman in her prime.

The poem's tone fluctuates between joy and sorrow, echoing the ups and downs of life. The structure of the poem, with its alternating scenes of celebration and mourning, mirrors this constant shift from happiness to sadness. Additionally, the use of natural imagery, such as the lark singing in the sunshine and the violets on the bank’s green side, serves to underline the beauty and fleetingness of life. The poem ends with a poignant reminder of our mortality, likening humans to transient guests. This sentiment, paired with the plea 'Thy kingdom come', adds a spiritual dimension to the poem, suggesting a belief in life beyond death. Overall, the poem uses vivid imagery and contrasts to bring to life its central themes of life, death, and the transient nature of human existence.

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.