Brangers Ma Vocation

By Eugene Field

Lyric Poem
    Misery is my lot,     Poverty and pain;     Ill was I begot,     Ill must I remain;     Yet the wretched days     One sweet comfort bring,     When God whispering says,     "Sing, O singer, sing!"     Chariots rumble by,     Splashing me with mud;     Insolence see I     Fawn to royal blood;     Solace have I then     From each galling sting     In that voice again,--     "Sing, O singer, sing!"     Cowardly at heart,     I am forced to play     A degraded part     For its paltry pay;     Freedom is a prize     For no starving thing;     Yet that small voice cries,     "Sing, O singer, sing!"     I was young, but now,     When I'm old and gray,     Love--I know not how     Or why--hath sped away;     Still, in winter days     As in hours of spring,     Still a whisper says,     "Sing, O singer, sing!"     Ah, too well I know     Song's my only friend!     Patiently I'll go     Singing to the end;     Comrades, to your wine!     Let your glasses ring!     Lo, that voice divine     Whispers, "Sing, oh, sing!"

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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 touching exploration of the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. The central theme revolves around the speaker's struggles with hardship, poverty, and societal disdain, yet through it all, they find solace and a sense of purpose in their ability to sing.

The poem is structured in quatrains with a consistent rhyme scheme, thereby creating a rhythmic flow that mirrors the ceaseless continuity of the speaker's life. The recurring phrase, "Sing, O singer, sing!" serves as a refrain and stands out as a beacon of hope amidst the trials the speaker is confronted with. This repetition is a powerful literary device, emphasizing the constancy of the speaker's refuge in song.

The tone is one of melancholic resilience. There is a poignant contrast between the harsh realities of the speaker's life and the comfort they find in singing. The poem goes beyond the personal, touching on broader themes such as societal inequality and the dehumanizing effects of poverty. Yet, the speaker's unyielding spirit and their ability to find joy and meaning in their art form—singing—offer a potent message of hope and human endurance.

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.