Author: Eugene Field
(LYRIC INTERMEZZO) There fell a star from realms above-- A glittering, glorious star to see! Methought it was the star of love, So sweetly it illumined me. And from the apple branches fell Blossoms and leaves that time in June; The wanton breezes wooed them well With soft caress and amorous tune. The white swan proudly sailed along And vied her beauty with her note-- The river, jealous of her song, Threw up its arms to clasp her throat. But now--oh, now the dream is past-- The blossoms and the leaves are dead, The swan's sweet song is hushed at last, And not a star burns overhead.
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: This poignant poem speaks of ephemeral beauty, love, and the inevitable passage of time. The initial imagery of a falling star serves as a metaphor for a sudden, radiant love. The star's descent from the 'realms above' suggests a divine or ethereal nature to this love, amplifying its brilliance. The poet's use of imagery and personification, describing the blossoms, leaves, and breezes with human qualities, imbues the scene with a sense of emotional depth and vibrancy.
The tone shifts in the second half of the poem, moving from joyous celebration to melancholic reflection. The imagery of the white swan being silenced by the jealous river is poignant and acts as a turning point, marking the end of the poem's initial ecstasy. The final stanza encapsulates the theme of loss and longing with a stark yet powerful simplicity. The 'dream' of love and beauty is over, signified by the 'dead' blossoms and leaves, the 'hushed' swan song, and the absence of stars. The structure of the poem enhances this shift, moving from vivid, dynamic imagery to stark, somber reflection, mirroring the journey from joy to sorrow.
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.