Author: Eugene Field
The stars are twinkling in the skies, The earth is lost in slumbers deep; So hush, my sweet, and close thine eyes, And let me lull thy soul to sleep. Compose thy dimpled hands to rest, And like a little birdling lie Secure within thy cozy nest Upon my loving mother breast, And slumber to my lullaby, So hushaby--O hushaby. The moon is singing to a star The little song I sing to you; The father sun has strayed afar, As baby's sire is straying too. And so the loving mother moon Sings to the little star on high; And as she sings, her gentle tune Is borne to me, and thus I croon For thee, my sweet, that lullaby Of hushaby--O hushaby. There is a little one asleep That does not hear his mother's song; But angel watchers--as I weep-- Surround his grave the night-tide long. And as I sing, my sweet, to you, Oh, would the lullaby I sing-- The same sweet lullaby he knew While slumb'ring on this bosom too-- Were borne to him on angel's wing! So hushaby--O hushaby.
Type of Poem: Lyric Poem
Date Written:
Date Published:
Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher:
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Comments/Notes: The poet masterfully weaves a narrative of maternal love, loss, and the transcendent power of lullabies in this poignant piece. The imagery of night - the twinkling stars, the deep slumbers of the earth, the singing moon - serves to create a tranquil, lullaby-like rhythm reflecting the soothing, gentle nature of a mother's love. The consistent use of the term "hushaby" further enhances this lullaby quality, adding a musicality and rhythm that mimic the comforting cadences of a bedtime song.
The poem's tone transitions from warmth and safety to melancholy and longing, revealing a deeper narrative of loss. The final stanza introduces the tragic reality of a departed child, transforming the poem from a simple lullaby to a lament, a song of mourning. The poet employs the motif of a song passed from celestial bodies to the mother, and then to her child, suggesting a connection between the divine, nature, and human love. This motif culminates in the desire for the lullaby to reach the departed child, emphasizing the transcendent power of love and song. The poem's structure, characterized by its consistent rhyme scheme, serves to further underscore the lullaby's repetitive, soothing quality, making the contrast between the comforting tone and the sorrowful content even more striking. Overall, this poem is a beautifully rendered exploration of maternal love, grief, and the comforting power of song.
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:
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.