A Childs Future

By Algernon Charles Swinburne

Lyric Poem
    What will it please you, my darling, hereafter to be?     Fame upon land will you look for, or glory by sea?     Gallant your life will be always, and all of it free.     Free as the wind when the heart of the twilight is stirred     Eastward, and sounds from the springs of the sunrise are heard:     Free, and we know not another as infinite word.     Darkness or twilight or sunlight may compass us round,     Hate may arise up against us, or hope may confound;     Love may forsake us; yet may not the spirit be bound.     Free in oppression of grief as in ardour of joy     Still may the soul be, and each to her strength as a toy:     Free in the glance of the man as the smile of the boy.     Freedom alone is the salt and the spirit that gives     Life, and without her is nothing that verily lives:     Death cannot slay her: she laughs upon death and forgives.     Brightest and hardiest of roses anear and afar     Glitters the blithe little face of you, round as a star:     Liberty bless you and keep you to be as you are.     England and liberty bless you and keep you to be     Worthy the name of their child and the sight of their sea:     Fear not at all; for a slave, if he fears not, is free.

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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 profound exploration of the concepts of freedom, bravery, and the human spirit. The writer uses the metaphor of a journey by land or sea to discuss the pursuit of fame or glory, suggesting that a person is truly free when they are brave and autonomous. This is further emphasized by the comparison of freedom to the endless, unrestricted wind that stirs at twilight.

The poem's tone is both contemplative and encouraging. It presents freedom not just as an external state, but as an internal quality that can persist even in the face of grief, oppression, or abandonment. This is a powerful message about the resilience of the human spirit and the power of individual agency. The repeated motif of 'freedom' and the use of the phrase "a slave, if he fears not, is free" reinforce this idea, suggesting that freedom is a state of mind rather than a physical condition.

The structure of the poem, with its steady rhythm and rhyme, mirrors the persistence and resilience it advocates for. Lastly, the direct address to the reader ("my darling") and the use of specific imagery (the "blithe little face of you, round as a star") make the poem feel intimate and personal, as if the poet is directly imparting wisdom to a loved one. This relationship between the speaker and the reader adds an emotional depth to the poem, making its exploration of freedom and bravery all the more poignant.

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.