Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Our Motherland, dear Motherland, The source of beauty and of Art, Who but thy children understand The love which permeates each heart! We see, through rainbow-tints of tears, Thy glory of a thousand years. O country of the Great and Free, We live for thee, we live for thee, Dear Motherland of France. O Motherland, both blithe and brave, What magic lies in thy name - France! Yet can thy radiant mien be grave, And stern thy ever-smiling glance. And when thy sons and daughters know That enemies would lay thee low And dim thy fame on land and sea, We fight for thee, we fight for thee, Dear Motherland of France. Dear Motherland of joy and mirth, Dear Motherland of faith divine, A thousand years the wondering earth Has seen thy star in splendour shine. Still shall it see that star of France Its splendour and its light enhance. Dear Motherland, when it need be We die for thee, we die for thee, Dear Motherland of France.
Type of Poem: Lyric Poem
Date Written:
Date Published:
Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher:
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Comments/Notes: This poem is a passionate ode to the motherland, specifically France. The underlying themes include patriotism, love, and sacrifice, as well as an exploration of the enduring strength and beauty of the country. The poet employs several literary devices, including repetition and personification, to emphasize their connection and devotion to their homeland.
The structure of the poem is traditional, with a consistent rhythm and rhyme scheme that gives it a hymn-like quality. This, along with the repeated refrain "we live for thee, we fight for thee, we die for thee," adds to the overall patriotic tone. The tone is simultaneously celebratory and solemn, capturing the joy of belonging to the motherland while acknowledging the grave responsibility of defending it. The poet skillfully uses imagery, such as "rainbow-tints of tears" and "star in splendour shine," to create vivid pictures of the nation's beauty and grandeur. The repeated personification of France as a mother figure makes the bond between the poet and their country deeply personal and emotional. Taken together, these elements create a stirring tribute to the nation and a call to duty for its inhabitants.
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:
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.