Good Night

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Lyric Poem
    The day is at its golden height,          No shadow falls on sea or land;     And yet to thee I say Good night,          As we stand here hand clasped in hand,         Good night -Good night.     The laughing waves are summer blue,          The bees hum in the sun's warm light;     But frosts of winter chill me through,          I shiver as I say Good night.         Good night -Good night.     How often at the close of day          With smiling lips we've said those words:     And listened as we turned away          To hear them echoed by the birds,         Good night -Good night.     We did not dream then of this hour,          This sad, sad hour for you and me;     We did not dream there was a power          Could force us for eternity         To say Good night.     Good night -nay, turn your eyes away;          I cannot bear their tender light.     Now evermore to golden day,          To golden hope, a last Good night,         Good night -Good night.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem beautifully encapsulates the dichotomy of joy and sorrow, presence and absence, and love and farewell. The theme revolves around the painful farewell between two loved ones, with the repeated refrain of "Good night" serving as a poignant reminder of their separation. Despite the setting being a radiant, vibrant day, the persona experiences an emotional winter, a metaphor that starkly contrasts to the sunny ambiance. This contrast between the physical and emotional landscapes amplifies the sense of loss and melancholy.

The poem’s structure and tone work hand-in-hand to create a rhythm of sorrow. Each stanza ends with the refrain "Good night -Good night," which acts as a heartrending echo of finality. This refrain, coupled with the tender yet anguished tone, adds a layer of poignancy to the narrative. The poet's use of vivid imagery and symbolic language - the laughing waves, humming bees, and golden day - plays up the irony of the situation, accentuating the persona's internal struggle against the backdrop of a seemingly perfect day. The poem is a poignant exploration of farewell's universal pain, delivered with a blend of grace and raw emotion.

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.