Horace I, 4

By Eugene Field

Lyric Poem
    'Tis spring! the boats bound to the sea;     The breezes, loitering kindly over     The fields, again bring herds and men     The grateful cheer of honeyed clover.     Now Venus hither leads her train,     The Nymphs and Graces join in orgies,     The moon is bright and by her light     Old Vulcan kindles up his forges.     Bind myrtle now about your brow,     And weave fair flowers in maiden tresses--     Appease God Pan, who, kind to man,     Our fleeting life with affluence blesses.     But let the changing seasons mind us     That Death's the certain doom of mortals--     Grim Death who waits at humble gat     And likewise stalks through kingly portals.     Soon, Sestius, shall Plutonian shades     Enfold you with their hideous seemings--     Then love and mirth and joys of earth     Shall fade away like fevered dreamings.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem adeptly marries the themes of life, death, and the cyclical nature of existence through the use of vibrant, springtime imagery juxtaposed with the somber, inevitable reality of mortality. The tone swings between celebratory and cautionary, creating a poignant contrast that underscores the fleeting nature of life's joys and pleasures.

In terms of structure, the poet employs a consistent regular rhyme scheme, lending a musical quality to the piece, while the use of classical references (Venus, the Nymphs, Graces, Vulcan, Pan, and Plutonian shades) enriches the poem, grounding it in the tradition of pastoral poetry and lending it a timeless, universal appeal. The invocation of these figures also imbues the poem with a sense of grandeur and dramatic weight, heightening the sense of life's preciousness and the inevitability of death.

The poet's use of striking metaphors ("honeyed clover," "fevered dreamings") and vivid, sensory imagery serves to draw the reader into the lush, vibrant world of spring, only to then starkly remind them of its transience. This serves as a poignant reminder of our mortality, encouraging us to appreciate the beauty and joy in our lives while we can. This poem is a celebration of life, a warning of death, and a call to mindfulness, all wrapped into one beautifully crafted package.

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.