A Childs Laughter

By Algernon Charles Swinburne

Lyric Poem
    All the bells of heaven may ring,     All the birds of heaven may sing,     All the wells on earth may spring,     All the winds on earth may bring     All sweet sounds together;     Sweeter far than all things heard,     Hand of harper, tone of bird,     Sound of woods at sundawn stirred,     Welling waters winsome word,     Wind in warm wan weather,     One thing yet there is, that none     Hearing ere its chime be done     Knows not well the sweetest one     Heard of man beneath the sun,     Hoped in heaven hereafter;     Soft and strong and loud and light,     Very sound of very light     Heard from mornings rosiest height,     When the soul of all delight     Fills a childs clear laughter.     Golden bells of welcome rolled     Never forth such notes, nor told     Hours so blithe in tones so bold,     As the radiant mouth of gold     Here that rings forth heaven.     If the golden-crested wren     Were a nightingale, why, then,     Something seen and heard of men     Might be half as sweet as when     Laughs a child of seven.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The given poem is a lyrical exploration of the beauty and joy found in simple, natural elements, with a particular focus on sound. The poet employs rich imagery and a rhythmic, almost chant-like structure to create a sense of harmony and unity. The repetition of "All" at the beginning of the first five lines of the first stanza, and the consistent rhyming pattern, draw attention to the interconnectedness of nature, setting an overall tone that is both celebratory and reflective.

The central theme of the poem is the unparalleled sweetness of a child's laughter. The poet compares this sound to the beauty of natural phenomena such as bird songs, wind rustling in the woods, and welling waters, ultimately arguing that even these lovely sounds fall short of the delight found in a child's joy. This argument is highlighted by the strategic use of contrast; the poet juxtaposes the grand, "golden bells of welcome" and the hypothetical "nightingale" wren against the "radiant mouth of gold" of a child, asserting the superior beauty in genuine, innocent happiness. The poem thus becomes a celebration of childlike joy and an affirmation of the value of simple, natural delights over grand or artificial ones. The poet's use of sensory descriptions, combined with the musicality of the structure and rhyme, effectively brings this theme to life, creating a vivid sensory experience for the reader.

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.