A Baby's Epitaph

Author: Algernon Charles Swinburne

    April made me: winter laid me here away asleep.
    Bright as Maytime was my daytime; night is soft and deep:
    Though the morrow bring forth sorrow, well are ye that weep.
    Ye that held me dear beheld me not a twelvemonth long:
    All the while ye saw me smile, ye knew not whence the song
    Came that made me smile, and laid me here, and wrought you wrong.
    Angels, calling from your brawling world one undefiled,
    Homeward bade me, and forbade me here to rest beguiled:
    Here I sleep not: pass, and weep not here upon your child.
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Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: The poem conveys a profound sense of melancholy and loss, addressing themes of death, sorrow and the contrasting forces of innocence and corruption. The poet uses the seasons to symbolize the cycle of life and death, beginning with the birth in "April" and transitioning to the peaceful "night" of death. The sorrowful tone is further emphasized through the lamentation of those left to mourn, their grief stemming from a lack of understanding of the poet's joy in death and their subsequent feelings of guilt or regret.

The poem employs a rhythmic structure and consistent rhyming scheme, creating a sense of calmness and inevitability, further reinforcing the concept of death as a natural part of life's cycle. The use of "Angels" symbolizes the divine, contrasting the "brawling world" of the living with the peaceful serenity of the afterlife. This stark contrast serves to highlight the poet's acceptance and even yearning for the tranquility of death, a sentiment that is often seen as taboo or uncomfortable. The poet's use of second-person perspective ("ye") also creates an intimate conversation with the reader, inviting them to grapple with the difficult concepts of mortality and grief, while also allowing for a sense of universality and shared human experience.

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.