To Albius Tibullus I

By Eugene Field

Lyric Poem
    Not to lament that rival flame     Wherewith the heartless Glycera scorns you,     Nor waste your time in maudlin rhyme,     How many a modern instance warns you!     Fair-browed Lycoris pines away     Because her Cyrus loves another;     The ruthless churl informs the girl     He loves her only as a brother!     For he, in turn, courts Pholoe,--     A maid unscotched of love's fierce virus;     Why, goats will mate with wolves they hate     Ere Pholoe will mate with Cyrus!     Ah, weak and hapless human hearts,     By cruel Mother Venus fated     To spend this life in hopeless strife,     Because incongruously mated!     Such torture, Albius, is my lot;     For, though a better mistress wooed me,     My Myrtale has captured me,     And with her cruelties subdued me!

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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 contemplative exploration of unrequited love, emphasizing the cyclical nature of desire and rejection, as well as the pain and frustration it causes. The poet employs classical Greek names to juxtapose ancient human struggles with contemporary experiences, underlining the timeless nature of these emotional challenges.

The tone of the poem is one of melancholic resignation, illustrated by the repeated instances of one-sided love affairs. The structure, composed of five four-line stanzas, creates a rhythmic flow that underpins the cyclical theme. The poet uses notable literary devices such as irony ("The ruthless churl informs the girl / He loves her only as a brother!") to underscore the painful absurdity of unrequited love. The personification of the characters also serves to depict the universal experience of unreciprocated love. The concluding lines offer a personal note from the poet's perspective, closing the narrative cycle but leaving the broader issue unresolved, adding to the overall sense of longing and melancholy.

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.