To Mistress Pyrrha I

By Eugene Field

Lyric Poem
    What perfumed, posie-dizened sirrah,     With smiles for diet,     Clasps you, O fair but faithless Pyrrha,     On the quiet?     For whom do you bind up your tresses,     As spun-gold yellow,--     Meshes that go with your caresses,     To snare a fellow?     How will he rail at fate capricious,     And curse you duly,     Yet now he deems your wiles delicious,--     You perfect, truly!     Pyrrha, your love's a treacherous ocean;     He'll soon fall in there!     Then shall I gloat on his commotion,     For I have been there!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem offers a vivid exploration of love's deceit and the dangers of succumbing to temptation. It adopts a tone of cautionary wisdom, speaking from a place of experience and a hint of schadenfreude. The protagonist, Pyrrha, is portrayed as an alluring yet unfaithful temptress, her beauty and charm serving as a lure for the unsuspecting.

The structure of the poem, a pair of quatrains followed by a sextet, allows for a clear narrative progression. The first half of the poem paints a picture of Pyrrha's allure and the second half presents a warning of the heartbreak that is to follow. The poet employs a variety of literary devices, including alliteration ("perfumed, posie-dizened sirrah"), vivid imagery ("your love's a treacherous ocean"), and metaphor ("Meshes that go with your caresses,/ To snare a fellow"), which all contribute to the poem's evocative quality. The poem ultimately leaves the reader with a sense of the cyclical and destructive nature of infatuation, and the wisdom gleaned from surviving its trials.

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.