A Man's Good-Bye

Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox

    Do you think, dear, as you say
    Such a light good-bye to-day,
    That this parting time may be
    Mayhaps less to you, than me?

    What a wonder of surprise
    Looks out from your sunny eyes.
    'Just a nice acquaintance.'    So
    We have called it, dear, I know.

    Now you end it with a word,
    While my inmost soul is stirred.
    No -you cannot understand.
    But, dear, as I touch your hand,

    Listening to your light good-bye,
    All a man's roused passions cry
    Like a tiger, stirred, at bay.
    Oh! you draw your hand away.

    'I've no right to speak so?'    Pray
    Was it your right day by day
    By your sweet coquettish arts
    To invade my heart of hearts?

    It is death to let you go.
    You will hate me, dear, I know;
    But I swear, ere you go hence,
    I will have some recompense.

    For those fires you lit in vain,
    Cheeks and lips shall bear the stain
    Of my kisses till you die.
    Go now! this is my good-bye.
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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 explores themes of unrequited love, parting, and emotional turmoil, presenting a narrative of a speaker struggling with the ending of a seemingly casual relationship that meant much more to him. The tone oscillates between desperate sadness, clear frustration, and defiant assertion, providing a vivid portrayal of inner conflict and the power dynamics at play.

The poem is structured in rhymed quatrains, a traditional format that aids in emphasizing the speaker's emotional turmoil and his struggle to maintain control. The use of questions and direct address heightens the emotional intensity of the poem, implicating the reader in the speaker's emotional journey.

The poem also uses a variety of standout literary devices. Metaphor is employed, with the speaker's passions likened to a "tiger, stirred, at bay," a powerful image that conveys the desperation and intensity of his feelings. Irony is evident in the speaker's words 'Just a nice acquaintance,' contrasting the depth of his feelings with the superficiality of their relationship's label. The final stanzas, in which the speaker swears to leave his mark on the object of his affection, take a startling turn into possessiveness and desire for revenge, revealing a darker side to the speaker's feelings. This shift underscores the complexity and potential destructiveness of unrequited love.

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.