A Girls Faith

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Lyric Poem
    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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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poignant poem explores themes of longing, hope, and the enduring power of connection. It paints a picture of emotional distance, using both physical and temporal space as a metaphor for a relationship yet to be fully realized. The consistent rhythm and rhyme scheme give the poem a sense of flow and continuity, mirroring the protagonist's unwavering faith in a future reunion.

The tone is both melancholic and hopeful, the longing for the unseen face balanced by an unshakeable belief in their eventual meeting. The use of celestial imagery—morning star, arching skies, suns, stars, and the Infinite—imbues the poem with a sense of transcendence and the divine, suggesting the connection between the two individuals extends beyond the earthly plane. The poem's structure, with its repeated reference to the unseen face bookending the text, underscores the centrality of this unseen person in the protagonist's world. The metaphor of life as a star climbing the height also stands out, reinforcing the theme of a journey and growth. In sum, this is a deeply touching contemplation of love, longing, and the power of faith in the face of separation.

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.