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 wond'rous 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.

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Create Image

Transform this poem into a beautiful shareable image

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline

Share the Love of Poetry
More Poems
More Lyric Poems
Daily Poem

Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poignant poem elegantly explores themes of time, sorrow, and transformation, using a balanced structure and vivid imagery. The poet personifies the year as a cherub, a symbol of innocence and youth, shedding a tear. This tear, symbolic of sorrow, is promptly transformed into a beautiful diamond by the sunlight, a clear metaphor for hope and enlightenment. This change shifts the tone from melancholy to optimism, suggesting that sorrow can be transfigured into something beautiful with the right perspective.

In the second half of the poem, the poet uses their own soul as a metaphorical landscape, reflecting on the burden of the 'Cross'. This could be interpreted as a symbol of hardships or trials. However, much like the tear, this burden is transformed into a crown—a symbol of victory and honor—by the divine sunlight. This part of the poem reiterates the lesson of the first half, emphasizing the transformative power of perspective and faith, as well as the possibility of finding beauty and strength in adversity. The repeated structure and mirrored themes in both stanzas reinforce this message, creating a cohesive and impactful whole. Overall, the poem serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for growth and transformation even in times of 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.