A New Years Message

By Algernon Charles Swinburne

Lyric Poem
    To Joseph Mazzini     Send the stars light, but send not love to me.     - SHELLEY.     Out of the dawning heavens that hear     Young wings and feet of the new year     Move through their twilight, and shed round     Soft showers of sound,     Soothing the season with sweet rain,     If greeting come to make me fain,     What is it I can send again?     I know not if the year shall send     Tidings to usward as a friend,     And salutation, and such things     Bear on his wings     As the soul turns and thirsts unto     With hungering eyes and lips that sue     For that sweet food which makes all new.     I know not if his light shall be     Darkness, or else light verily:     I know but that it will not part     Hearts faith from heart,     Truth from the trust in truth, nor hope     From sight of days unscaled that ope     Beyond one poor years horoscope.     That faith in love which loves self gives,     O master of my spirit, lives,     Having in presence unremoved     Thine head beloved,     The shadow of thee, the semitone     Of thy voice heard at heart and known,     The light of thee not set nor flown.     Seas, lands, and hours, can these divide     Love from loves service, side from side,     Though no sound pass nor breath be heard     Of one good word?     To send back words of trust to thee     Were to send wings to love, when he     With his own strong wings covers me.     Who shall teach singing to the spheres,     Or motion to the flight of years?     Let soul with soul keep hand in hand     And understand,     As in one same abiding-place     We keep one watch for one same face     To rise in some short sacred space.     And all space midway is but nought     To keep true heart from faithful thought,     As under twilight stars we wait     By Times shut gate     Till the slow soundless hinges turn,     And through the depth of years that yearn     The face of the Republic burn.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem is a powerful exploration of several interconnected themes: the passage of time, love, faith, hope, and the enduring spirit of truth. The poet employs a contemplative tone, bordering on the melancholic, as they ponder the uncertainties of the coming year. The poetic structure, comprised of seven quatrains, is rhythmic and flowing, which aids in creating a soothing, almost dreamlike atmosphere.

The speaker considers the potential outcomes of the new year, acknowledging that its light could bring darkness or true illumination. This uncertainty is mitigated by their belief in the unbreakable bonds of faith, truth, and hope, which transcend the limitations of a single year. The repeated reference to the "soul" and the "heart" underscores the spiritual and emotional depth of these convictions.

The poet uses evocative imagery and metaphors to illustrate their points. The year is personified as a being with wings that may bring 'tidings' or 'salutations', effectively highlighting the unpredictable nature of time. Another compelling device is the use of the celestial, such as stars and spheres, to depict the vastness and profundity of their feelings and thoughts.

The poem eventually transitions into a tribute to a beloved figure, who is referred to as the "master of my spirit". This figure's influence is so profound that physical boundaries are rendered irrelevant, reinforcing the theme of enduring love. The closing lines, which introduce the image of the “Republic”, suggest a broader political reading, potentially reflecting on the poet's hopes and anxieties for their nation. This unexpected twist adds another layer of complexity to the poem, reiterating the theme of uncertainty while tying the personal to the political.

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.