Assertion

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Lyric Poem
    I am serenity.    Though passions beat          Like mighty billows on my helpless heart,     I know beyond them lies the perfect sweet          Serenity, which patience can impart.     And when wild tempests in my bosom rage,     "Peace, peace," I cry, "it is my heritage."     I am good health.    Though fevers rack my brain          And rude disorders mutilate my strength,     A perfect restoration after pain,          I know shall be my recompense at length.     And so through grievous day and sleepless night,     "Health, health," I cry, "it is my own by right."     I am success.    Though hungry, cold, ill-clad,          I wander for awhile, I smile and say,     "It is but for a time - I shall be glad          To-morrow, for good fortune comes my way.     God is my father, He has wealth untold,     His wealth is mine, health, happiness, and gold."

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This is an evocative poem that explores the themes of resilience, faith, and the human spirit's indomitable nature. The speaker, despite various trials and tribulations, maintains an unwavering conviction in their inherent entitlement to serenity, health, and success. This ethos is conveyed through a repetitive structure, with each stanza declaring an affirmative belief ("I am serenity," "I am good health," "I am success") and culminating in a defiant assertion of that belief despite adverse circumstances.

The tone of the poem is one of quiet determination and optimism, even in the face of hardship. This is accentuated by the use of vivid imagery, such as "mighty billows on my helpless heart," and "fevers rack my brain." Such phrases paint a picture of internal conflict and physical suffering, yet they are juxtaposed with the speaker's resolute faith in their impending well-being and prosperity. The poem also employs the literary device of personification, attributing human characteristics to abstract concepts like serenity, health, and success. This serves to further underscore the speaker's profound belief in their inherent right to these qualities. The poem’s ending, invoking God as the ultimate source of wealth and wellbeing, adds a spiritual dimension, suggesting the speaker's faith as a source of their strength and optimism.

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.