Author: Eugene Field
The dull world clamors at my feet And asks my hand and helping sweet; And wonders when the time shall be I'll leave off dreaming dreams of thee. It blames me coining soul and time And sending minted bits of rhyme-- A-wooing of thee still. Shall I make answer? This it is: I camp beneath thy galaxies Of starry thoughts and shining deeds; And, seeing new ones, I must needs Arouse my speech to tell thee, dear, Though thou art nearer, I am near-- A-wooing of thee still. I feel thy heart-beat next mine own; Its music hath a richer tone. I rediscover in thine eyes A balmier, dewier paradise. I'm sure thou art a rarer girl-- And so I seek thee, finest pearl, A-wooing of thee still. With blood of roses on thy lips-- Canst doubt my trembling?--something slips Between thy loveliness and me-- So commonplace, so fond of thee. Ah, sweet, a kiss is waiting where That last one stopped thy lover's prayer-- A-wooing of thee still. When new light falls upon thy face My gladdened soul discerns some trace Of God, or angel, never seen In other days of shade and sheen. Ne'er may such rapture die, or less Than joy like this my heart confess-- A-wooing of thee still. Go thou, O soul of beauty, go Fleet-footed toward the heavens aglow. Mayhap, in following, thou shalt see Me worthier of thy love and thee. Thou wouldst not have me satisfied Until thou lov'st me--none beside-- A-wooing of thee still. This was a song of years ago-- Of spring! Now drifting flowers of snow Bloom on the window-sills as white As gray-beard looking through love's light And holding blue-veined hands the while. He finds her last--the sweetest smile-- A-wooing of her still.
Type of Poem: Lyric Poem
Date Written:
Date Published:
Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher:
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Comments/Notes: This poem presents an introspective exploration of unending love and adoration, with the speaker's constant 'wooing' serving as a testament to their unwavering affection. The poem is structured in seven stanzas, each ending with the refrain "A-wooing of thee still," emphasizing the never-ending pursuit and constant rediscovery of love. The tone is deeply romantic, and the language is rich with sensual imagery and metaphors, such as "blood of roses on thy lips" and "camp beneath thy galaxies of starry thoughts and shining deeds," which elevate the beloved to a divine status.
The poem employs several key themes, including love, dedication, and time. The speaker articulates their profound love and admiration for the beloved, persisting despite the world's distractions and the passage of time. The theme of time is particularly significant, as indicated by the reference to the "song of years ago" and "drifting flowers of snow," suggesting a relationship that has matured and endured. The final stanza, where the speaker is still 'wooing' even when they see 'gray-beard' and 'blue-veined hands,' further underscores the theme of enduring love and the longevity of their dedication. The use of celestial imagery in the poem underscores the divine and timeless nature of their love. The poem offers a heartfelt exploration of love's power to inspire, endure, and transform over time.
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:
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.