A Girl's Faith

Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox

    Across the miles that stretch between,
         Through days of gloom or glad sunlight,
    There shines a face I have not seen
         Which yet doth make my world more bright.

    He may be near, he may be far,
         Or near or far I cannot see,
    But faithful as the morning star
         He yet shall rise and come to me.

    What though fate leads us separate ways,
         The world is round, and time is fleet.
    A journey of a few brief days,
         And face to face we two shall meet.

    Shall meet beneath God's arching skies,
         While suns shall blaze, or stars shall gleam,
    And looking in each other's eyes
         Shall hold the past but as a dream.

    But round and perfect and complete,
         Life like a star shall climb the height,
    As we two press with willing feet
         Together toward the Infinite.

    And still behind the space between,
         As back of dawns the sunbeams play,
    There shines the face I have not seen,
         Whose smile shall wake my world to-day.
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Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a poignant exploration of longing, distance, and the hope for reunion. The consistent theme throughout the piece is an unyielding belief in eventual togetherness, which is showcased through the persona's unshakeable faith in their future meeting. The speaker's longing is evident in the frequent references to the "face I have not seen," suggesting a deep emotional connection that transcends physical distance.

The poem's tone is both melancholic and hopeful. The melancholy lies in the present separation, while the hope is found in the unwavering belief in a future reunion. The structure of the poem, comprised of alternating rhymed quatrains, creates a steady rhythm, mirroring the speaker's enduring patience and steadfast hope.

Notably, the poem employs various celestial metaphors and imagery, such as "morning star," "God's arching skies," and "toward the Infinite" to evoke a sense of transcendence and destiny. This choice of imagery further emphasizes the speaker's belief that their eventual reunion is inevitable and destined. Furthermore, the juxtaposition of the "gloom" of separation with the "glad sunlight" of anticipation serves to highlight the emotional dichotomy of longing and hope. Overall, the poem is a rich tapestry of emotion and anticipation, underscored by celestial metaphors and rhythmic structure.

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.