Armenian Folk-Song--The Stork.

By Eugene Field

Lyric Poem
    Welcome, O truant stork!     And where have you been so long?     And do you bring that grace of spring     That filleth my heart with song?     Descend upon my roof--     Bide on this ash content;     I would have you know what cruel woe     Befell me when you went.     All up in the moody sky     (A shifting threat o'er head!)     They were breaking the snow and bidding it go     Cover the beautiful dead.     Came snow on garden spot,     Came snow on mere and wold,     Came the withering breath of white robed death,     And the once warm earth was cold.     Stork, the tender rose tree,     That bloometh when you are here,     Trembled and sighed like a waiting bride--     Then drooped on a virgin bier.     But the brook that hath seen you come     Leaps forth with a hearty shout,     And the crocus peeps from the bed where it sleeps     To know what the noise is about.     Welcome, O honest friend!     And bide on my roof content;     For my heart would sing of the grace of spring,     When the winter of woe is spent.

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline

Share the Love of Poetry
More Poems
More Lyric Poems
Daily Poem

Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem masterfully interweaves themes of longing, renewal, and the cyclical nature of life, primarily through the seasonal metaphor. The speaker's welcoming of the 'truant stork' in the opening lines encapsulates a sense of yearning for the return of spring; the stork, a common symbol of birth and renewal, is the harbinger of this much-anticipated season. The poem's tone alternates between desolation, as depicted in the stark winter scenes, and joy, heralded by the stork's arrival.

The structure of the poem supports the cyclical theme; the first and last stanzas mirror each other, framing the narrative and highlighting the passage of time. The poet employs vivid imagery throughout, particularly in the depiction of winter as 'white robed death,' a chilling personification that enhances the sense of despair. In contrast, the lively, hopeful imagery of the 'brook' and 'crocus' upon the stork's return underscores the rejuvenating power of spring. Alliteration is used effectively to enhance the lyrical quality of the poem, such as 'breaking the snow and bidding it go.'

The poem's key message seems to be that despite the hardships and desolation of winter, renewal is inevitable, embodied in the returning stork, a comforting reminder of the enduring cycle of life.

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.