Assistance

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Lyric Poem
    Lean on no mortal, Love, and serve;     (For service is love's complement)     But it was never God's intent,     Your spirit from its path should swerve,     To gain another's point of view.     As well might Jupiter, or Mars     Go seeking help from other stars,     Instead of sweeping ON, as you.     Look to the Great Eternal Cause     And not to any man, for light.     Look in; and learn the wrong, and right,     From your own soul's unwritten laws.     And when you question, or demur,     Let Love be your Interpreter.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem explores the themes of self-reliance, spiritual growth, and the guiding power of love. The tone is instructive, gently urging the reader towards introspection and self-discovery. The speaker emphasizes the importance of not depending on others for understanding or enlightenment, but instead turning inward and seeking guidance from one's own soul and the universal love that binds us all.

The poem adopts a straightforward structure, with each line contributing to the unfolding argument. The celestial imagery used in the middle of the poem—an analogy involving Jupiter and Mars—serves as a striking metaphor for the futility of seeking external validation or direction. It also underscores the enormity of the spiritual journey each individual must undertake. The repeated invocation of love, both as a service and an interpreter, highlights the poet's belief in love as a transcendent, guiding force. The poem concludes on an empowering note, encouraging the reader to let love be their interpreter, thereby reiterating the inherent wisdom of the individual spirit and the transformative power of 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.