Baby-Bird

By Algernon Charles Swinburne

Lyric Poem
    Baby-bird, baby-bird,     Ne'er a song on earth     May be heard, may be heard,     Rich as yours in mirth.     All your flickering fingers,     All your twinkling toes,     Play like light that lingers     Till the clear song close.     Baby-bird, baby-bird,     Your grave majestic eyes     Like a bird's warbled words     Speak, and sorrow dies.     Sorrow dies for love's sake,     Love grows one with mirth,     Even for one white dove's sake,     Born a babe on earth.     Baby-bird, baby-bird,     Chirping loud and long,     Other birds hush their words,     Hearkening toward your song.     Sweet as spring though it ring,     Full of love's own lures,     Weak and wrong sounds their song,     Singing after yours.     Baby-bird, baby-bird,     The happy heart that hears     Seems to win back within     Heaven, and cast out fears.     Earth and sun seem as one     Sweet light and one sweet word     Known of none here but one,     Known of one sweet bird.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem presents a rich exploration of joy, innocence, and the transformative power of love, through a comparison of a baby to a bird. The baby, like the bird, is presented as a source of natural joy, their light-hearted actions and innocent expressions bringing mirth and dispelling sorrow. The theme of innocence is further highlighted by the use of repetition and simple, playful language, whilst the repeated reference to 'baby-bird' creates a tender, endearing tone.

The structure of the poem, with its regular rhyme scheme and rhythm, mirrors the rhythmic and repetitive nature of a bird's song, contributing to the overall light and joyous mood. The poet also employs metaphorical language, such as "flickering fingers" and "twinkling toes," to convey the lively, dynamic energy of a baby, while the use of personification, attributing human qualities to a bird, further blurs the boundary between human and nature. This serves to emphasize the poet's message about the universal and powerful nature of joy and love, reinforcing the idea that these emotions can transcend any boundaries, whether between human and nature, or between sorrow and happiness.

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.