An Answer

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Lyric Poem
             If all the year was summer time,          And all the aim of life              Was just to lilt on like a rhyme,          Then I would be your wife.              If all the days were August days,          And crowned with golden weather,              How happy then through green-clad ways          We two could stray together!              If all the nights were moonlit nights,          And we had naught to do              But just to sit and plan delights,          Then I would wed with you.              If life was all a summer fete,          Its soberest pace the "glide,"              Then I would choose you for my mate,          And keep you at my side.              But winter makes full half the year,          And labor half of life,              And all the laughter and good cheer          Give place to wearing strife.              Days will grow cold, and moons wax old.          And then a heart that's true              Is better far than grace or gold -          And so, my love, adieu!          I cannot wed with you.

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Create Image

Transform this poem into a beautiful shareable image

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline

Share the Love of Poetry
More Poems
More Lyric Poems
Daily Poem

Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem exudes an air of melancholy and bittersweet longing, and the theme revolves around the imperfections of life and love. The poet employs vivid seasonal and temporal metaphors to juxtapose the idealistic vision of love with the harsh realities of life. The first four stanzas are filled with the blissful, idyllic imagery of perpetual summer and endless leisure, symbolizing the romanticized version of love and life.

In the latter part of the poem, the tone drastically shifts, bringing forth the harshness of winter and labor, symbolizing life's struggles and hardships. The poet effectively uses this contrast to underline the idea that love and life are not a constant summer fête, but rather, are often filled with trials and tribulations. The concluding lines echo a sentiment of thoughtful resignation, showing the speaker's choice of a 'true heart' over 'grace or gold'. This stands as a testament to the value of authenticity and faithfulness over superficial allure. The poem’s structure, built on a set of hypothetical scenarios followed by a sharp return to reality, enhances its overall message. The repeated refrain, "then I would wed with you" and the final line, "I cannot wed with you", effectively contrasts the dream with the reality and brings a sense of closure to the piece.

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.