Breaking The Day In Two

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Lyric Poem
    When from dawn till noon seems one long day,          And from noon till night another,     Oh, then should a little boy come from play,          And creep into the arms of his mother.     Snugly creep and fall asleep,          Oh, come, my baby, do;     Creep into my lap, and with a nap          We'll break the day in two.     When the shadows slant for afternoon,          When the midday meal is over,     When the winds have sung themselves into a swoon,          And the bees drone in the clover,     Then hie to me, hie, for a lullaby -          Come, my baby, do;     Creep into my lap, and with a nap          We'll break the day in two.     We'll break it in two with a crooning song,          With a soft and soothing number;     For the day has no right to be so long          And keep my baby from slumber.     Then rock-a-by, rock, may white dreams flock          Like angels over you;     Baby's gone, and the deed is done,          We've broken the day in two.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This charming poem is a touching exploration of maternal love and the innocent, restful world of childhood. The poem employs a simple, rhythmic structure, and a comforting, lullaby-like tone, which contribute to its overall soothing and warm atmosphere. The repeated phrases and actions, such as the child creeping into the mother's lap and the day being broken in two, create a sense of ritual and reliability, echoing the consistent and unwavering nature of a mother's love.

The dominant theme of the poem is the desire to protect and care for a child, embodied by the mother who seeks to shield her child from the long and tiring day. The poem also cleverly employs nature imagery, such as the "winds sung themselves into a swoon" and "bees drone in the clover," to depict an idyllic, peaceful setting that complements the intimate, domestic scene. Meanwhile, the use of phrases like "white dreams flock like angels" adds a spiritual element to the poem, hinting at the divine love and protection endowed on the child. Overall, this poem is a heartwarming portrayal of maternal affection and the simple pleasures of childhood.

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.