If I Were

Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox

    If I were a raindrop, and you were a leaf,
         I would burst from the cloud above you,
    And lie on your breast in a rapture of rest,
         And love you, love you, love you.

    If I were a brown bee, and you were a rose,
         I would fly to you, love, nor miss you;
    I would sip and sip from your nectared lip,
         And kiss you, kiss you, kiss you.

    If I were a doe, dear, and you were a brook,
         Ah, what would I do then, think you?
    I would kneel by the bank, in the grasses dank,
         And drink you, drink you, drink you.
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Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: The poem presents a sense of deep affection and longing, using the natural world as a vehicle to convey these emotions. The recurring theme is the connection between the speaker and their beloved, depicted through a series of metaphors. Each stanza takes on a different pair of elements—raindrop and leaf, bee and rose, doe and brook—infusing the poem with a rich, vibrant imagery that underscores the depth and intensity of the speaker's feelings.

The tone of the poem is one of passion, but also of tranquility and contentment. This is reflected in the rhythmic structure, which is simple and straightforward, creating a soothing, almost hypnotic effect that complements the emotional resonance of the words. Repetition is used to great effect, both within each stanza and across the poem as a whole, reinforcing the speaker's unwavering devotion. The use of anaphora, with each stanza starting with "If I were," gives the poem a sense of unity and consistency, while the repeated phrases at the end of each stanza— "love you," "kiss you," "drink you"— amplify the speaker's yearning. These devices, combined with the vividness of the metaphors, make the poem a compelling and evocative exploration of love.

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.