A Song Of Home

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

    I am singing a song to the boys to-day,     A song of the home that is far away.     And I know that an echo the word is waking     In many a heart that is secretly aching,     Yes, almost breaking, thinking of Home, dear Home.     But thought, dear boys, is a carrier dove,     And it flies straight into the hearts you love.     You picture the days of your youthful joys,     The old home circle, the girls and boys     You knew in that wonderful world of pleasure,     When life danced on to a lilting measure;     Each scene you treasure, thinking of Home, dear Home.     And here is a thought that is sweet and true -     The ones you long for are longing for you.     You picture the day when the war is done,     The duty accomplished, the victory won,     And over the billows our ships go leaping,     Into our beautiful harbour sweeping,     And with laughter and weeping, you go back Home, Home, Home.     On the walls of your heart you must hang with care     This beautiful picture, framed in prayer.     Thinking of Home, you are blazing a trail     For that glorious day when our ships shall sail;     Where the Goddess of Liberty lights the water     To guide you back from the fields of slaughter,     Fair Freedom's daughter, who welcomes us Home, Home, Home.     So hold your vision, and work and pray,     As you dream of the Home that is far away.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:
This poem beautifully captures the profound nostalgia and longing for home, presenting it in the context of soldiers presumably far away on the battlefield. The theme of homesickness is deeply embedded and is skillfully interwoven with the concepts of duty, sacrifice, and the consequent victory. The tone is both melancholy, reflecting the soldiers' longing for home, and hopeful, suggesting an anticipated joyous return.

The poem's structure is consistent and rhythmic, which lends a comforting predictability, echoing the security and familiarity of home. The repetition of the phrase "Home, dear Home" and "Home, Home, Home" emphasizes this longing and the centrality of home as a refuge. The poet also employs personification, describing 'thought' as a 'carrier dove' and 'Liberty' as a 'Goddess', adding depth and emotional resonance to the narrative. The use of vivid imagery, like the 'ships leaping over the billows' and the 'beautiful harbour', further engages the reader's senses and evokes powerful emotions. The final lines inspire and motivate, providing a sense of purpose and direction to the yearning. Overall, the poem is a stirring and emotive exploration of longing, duty, and the anticipation of return, beautifully encapsulating the universal human experience of longing for home.

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.