A Rhyme

By Algernon Charles Swinburne

Lyric Poem
    Babe, if rhyme be none     For that sweet small word     Babe, the sweetest one     Ever heard,     Right it is and meet     Rhyme should keep not true     Time with such a sweet     Thing as you.     Meet it is that rhyme     Should not gain such grace:     What is April's prime     To your face?     What to yours is May's     Rosiest smile? what sound     Like your laughter sways     All hearts round?     None can tell in metre     Fit for ears on earth     What sweet star grew sweeter     At your birth.     Wisdom doubts what may be:     Hope, with smile sublime,     Trusts: but neither, baby,     Knows the rhyme.     Wisdom lies down lonely;     Hope keeps watch from far;     None but one seer only     Sees the star.     Love alone, with yearning     Heart for astrolabe,     Takes the star's height, burning     O'er the babe.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem plaintively delves into the rich themes of love, devotion, and the ineffable beauty and joy that a precious one, in this case a "babe", brings. The speaker's adoration is almost tangible, as they declare the baby's sweetness surpasses the charm of spring, and that no earthly meter can truly capture the delight that the child's birth brought. This comparison of the child's beauty to the splendor of nature underscores the speaker's affection and awe.

The structure of the poem is characterized by short lines that create a rhythmic, lullaby-like quality, further enhancing the intimate and tender tone. The speaker employs several key literary devices, including rhyme, metaphor, and personification. The repeated use of the word "rhyme" not only contributes to the actual rhyme scheme, but also serves as a metaphor for the speaker's struggle to articulate their overwhelming emotions. The personifications of Wisdom and Hope reflect the speaker's contemplation of the future, adding a nuanced layer of depth. Ultimately, Love is portrayed as the only entity capable of truly understanding and appreciating the baby's worth, which solidifies the poem's overarching theme of profound, unconditional love.

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.