To Barine

By Eugene Field

Lyric Poem
    If for your oath broken, or word lightly spoken,     A plague comes, Barine, to grieve you;     If on tooth or on finger a black mark shall linger     Your beauty to mar, I'll believe you.     But no sooner, the fact is, you bind, as your tact is,     Your head with the vows of untruth,     Than you shine out more charming, and, what's more alarming,     You come forth beloved of our youth.     It is advantageous, but no less outrageous,     Your poor mother's ashes to cheat;     While the gods of creation and each constellation     You seem to regard as your meat.     Now Venus, I own it, is pleased to condone it;     The good-natured nymphs merely smile;     And Cupid is merry,--'t is humorous, very,--     And sharpens his arrows the while.     Our boys you are making the slaves for your taking,     A new band is joined to the old;     While the horrified matrons your juvenile patrons     In vain would bring back to the fold.     The thrifty old fellows your loveliness mellows     Confess to a dread of your house;     But a more pressing duty, in view of your beauty,     Is the young wife's concern for her spouse.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem explores themes of deceit, irresistible allure, and the power of beauty. The central character, Barine, is depicted as a beguiling figure whose charm is both enchanting and destructive. She is untruthful, yet her deceit only seems to enhance her appeal, symbolizing the seductive power of illusion over reality. This is conveyed through a playful yet critical tone, suggesting a paradoxical admiration for her cunning.

Structurally, the poem employs a consistent rhyme scheme and rhythm, which lends a sing-song quality that contrasts with the seriousness of the themes. This dissonance heightens the sense of irony in the poem, further emphasizing the mesmerizing yet perilous charm of Barine. The poet uses vivid imagery and metaphors, such as the black mark on the tooth or finger, to represent the physical manifestation of deceit. Yet, these marks do not diminish her beauty, instead, they seem to enhance it, underscoring the paradox at the heart of the poem.

The poem also features the use of classical allusions, with references to Venus, nymphs, and Cupid, infusing the piece with a sense of timelessness and universal relevance. The mention of these figures not only situates the poem within a tradition of romantic and mythical literature but also satirically suggests that even the gods are powerless before Barine's allure. This serves to heighten the dramatic irony and the critique of the societal norms that allow such deception to thrive. Overall, the poem is a complex exploration of the seductive power of beauty and the moral quandaries it can provoke.

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.