Some Time

By Eugene Field

Lyric Poem
    Last night, my darling, as you slept,     I thought I heard you sigh,     And to your little crib I crept,     And watched a space thereby;     And then I stooped and kissed your brow,     For oh! I love you so--     You are too young to know it now,     But some time you shall know!     Some time when, in a darkened place     Where others come to weep,     Your eyes shall look upon a face     Calm in eternal sleep,     The voiceless lips, the wrinkled brow,     The patient smile shall show--     You are too young to know it now,     But some time you may know!     Look backward, then, into the years,     And see me here to-night--     See, O my darling! how my tears     Are falling as I write;     And feel once more upon your brow     The kiss of long ago--     You are too young to know it now,     But some time you shall know.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poignant poem masterfully explores themes of love, time, mortality, and the legacy of memory. The speaker directly addresses an infant, presumably their child, in a tender and intimate tone. The frequent repetition of the phrase "You are too young to know it now, / But some time you shall know" reinforces the inevitability of the passage of time and the eventual understanding of life and death that comes with maturity.

The poem is structured in three stanzas, each reflecting a different aspect of time: the present, the future, and the past. The first stanza introduces the speaker's deep affection for the child; the second introduces the concept of mortality and projects an image of the speaker's future death; the final stanza asks the child to remember the speaker in the present moment. This clever structural choice creates a cyclical sense of time, mirroring the cyclical nature of life itself. The poem's use of clear, direct language and accessible imagery adds to its emotional resonance and accessibility, while its use of repetition and rhyme gives it a musical quality, enhancing the overall reading experience. The poem is a beautiful exploration of parent-child love, the inevitability of death, and the power of memory, offering readers a touching glimpse into the universal human experience.

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.