Guess

By Eugene Field

Lyric Poem
    There is a certain Yankee phrase     I always have revered,     Yet, somehow, in these modern days,     It's almost disappeared;     It was the usage years ago,     But nowadays it's got     To be regarded coarse and low     To answer: "I guess not!"     The height of fashion called the pink     Affects a British craze--     Prefers "I fancy" or "I think"     To that time-honored phrase;     But here's a Yankee, if you please,     That brands the fashion rot,     And to all heresies like these     He answers, "I--guess not!"--     When Chaucer, Wycliff, and the rest     Express their meaning thus,     I guess, if not the very best,     It's good enough for us!     Why! shall the idioms of our speech     Be banished and forgot     For this vain trash which moderns teach?     Well, no, sir; I guess not!     There's meaning in that homely phrase     No other words express--     No substitute therefor conveys     Such unobtrusive stress.     True Anglo-Saxon speech, it goes     Directly to the spot,     And he who hears it always knows     The worth of "I--guess--not!"

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem is a delightful reflection on the evolution of language and a lament for the loss of old, idiomatic expressions. The poet employs a casual, conversational tone, underlining the theme of everyday language usage. The reference to the "Yankee phrase" indicates a certain regional pride, and the poem's repeated use of the phrase "I guess not" becomes a rallying cry for linguistic preservation.

The poem's structure is a series of quatrains with a clear AABB rhyme scheme, a style that supports the colloquial tone and straightforward message. The poet uses historical references (to Chaucer and Wycliff) and juxtaposes them with modern trends to emphasize the loss of time-honored phrases, highlighting the poet's disapproval of the changing linguistic trends. The poet's repetition of the phrase "I guess not" serves as a subtle, yet powerful, protest against the homogenization of language. The poem, therefore, serves not just as a nostalgic reflection, but as a commentary on the cultural implications of language erosion.

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.