Guerdon

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Lyric Poem
    Upon the white cheek of the Cherub Year         I saw a tear.     Alas!    I murmured, that the Year should borrow         So soon a sorrow.     Just then the sunlight fell with sudden flame:         The tear became     A wondrous diamond sparkling in the light -         A beauteous sight.     Upon my soul there fell such woeful loss,         I said, "The Cross     Is grievous for a life as young as mine."         Just then, like wine,     God's sunlight shone from His high Heavens down;         And lo! a crown     Gleamed in the place of what I thought a burden -         My sorrow's guerdon.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem beautifully intertwines themes of sorrow, resilience, and spirituality through its vivid personification and strong use of metaphor. The poet portrays the passage of time as a 'Cherub Year', a youthful, innocent entity experiencing sorrow, thereby humanizing and creating an emotive connection with the abstract concept of time. The tear, initially representing sadness, transforms into a 'wondrous diamond' under sunlight, signifying hope and strength borne out of adversity. This transformation is a powerful metaphor for resilience, suggesting that sorrow can be transformed into beauty when viewed under a different 'light' or perspective.

In the second stanza, the poet's personal experience echoes the earlier metaphor. The 'Cross' represents a burden or a challenge faced by the speaker, yet similar to the tear, it transforms into a crown under God's sunlight, symbolizing triumph over adversity. This shift in imagery also underscores a religious undertone, suggesting divine intervention as a source of strength and resilience. The structured couplets and the consistent alternation between despair and optimism lend a rhythmic harmony to the poem, mirroring the cycle of sorrow and joy inherent in life. The poet's deft use of imagery, metaphor, and personification creates a profound reflection on the transformative power of perspective and the potential for hope amidst sorrow.

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.