Dedication From "Poems and Ballads"

By Algernon Charles Swinburne

Lyric Poem
    The years are many, the changes more,     Since wind and sun on the wild sweet shore     Where Joyous Gard stands stark by the sea     With face as bright as in years of yore     Shone, swept, and sounded, and laughed for glee     More deep than a man's or a child's may be,     On a day when summer was wild and glad,     And the guests of the wind and the sun were we.     The light that lightens from seasons clad     With darkness now, is it glad or sad?     Not sad but glad should it shine, meseems,     On eyes yet fain of the joy they had.     For joy was there with us; joy that gleams     And murmurs yet in the world of dreams     Where thought holds fast, as a constant warder,     The days when I rode by moors and streams,     Reining my rhymes into buoyant order     Through honied leagues of the northland border.     Though thought or memory fade, and prove     A faithless keeper, a thriftless hoarder,     One landmark never can change remove,     One sign can the years efface not. Love,     More strong than death or than doubt may be,     Treads down their strengths, and abides above.     Yea, change and death are his servants: we,     Whom love of the dead links fast, though free,     May smile as they that beheld the dove     Bear home her signal across the sea.

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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 time, change, memory, and the enduring power of love. It begins with a nostalgic depiction of a vivid, joyous past, using evocative imagery of natural elements like wind, sun, and sea to paint a picture of a place that is both physical and metaphorical. This setting reflects the "Joyous Gard," or a state of happiness and contentment that stands resistant against the relentless passage of time.

The poem uses a consistent ABAB rhyme scheme, giving it a rhythmic, flowing quality that mirrors the cycles of time and life it describes. The poet illustrates the contrasting forces of past and present, joy and melancholy, and life and death, often juxtaposing them within the same line or stanza. This creates a sense of tension and balance that underscores the poem's exploration of the human condition.

The tone of the poem is bittersweet, characterized by a longing for the joy of the past and a recognition of the inevitability of change. However, the poem ultimately offers a hopeful message, asserting the enduring power of love as an unchanging landmark amidst the shifting sands of time. Love, the poem suggests, transcends mortality, doubt, and change, serving as a beacon of hope that outlasts even death itself.

Overall, this poem is a contemplative meditation on time and change, offering a poignant reflection on the human experience while celebrating the enduring power of love. Its use of vivid and evocative imagery, along with its thoughtful exploration of universal themes, makes it a compelling and resonant piece of poetry.

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.