Song Of The Road

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Lyric Poem
    I am a Road; a good road, fair and smooth and broad;          And I link with my beautiful tether          Town and Country together,     Like a ribbon rolled on the earth, from the reel of God.          Oh, great the life of a Road!     I am a Road; a long road, leading on and on;          And I cry to the world to follow,          Past meadow and hill and hollow,     Through desolate night, to the open gates of dawn.          Oh, bold the life of a Road!     I am a Road; a kind road, shaped by strong hands.          I make strange cities neighbours;          The poor grow rich with my labours,     And beauty and comfort follow me through the lands.          Oh, glad the life of a Road!     I am a Road; a wise road, knowing all men's ways;          And I know how each heart reaches          For the things dear Nature teaches;     And I am the path that leads into green young Mays.          Oh, sweet the life of a Road!     I am a Road; and I speed away from the slums,          Away from desolate places,          Away from unused spaces;     Wherever I go, there order from chaos comes.          Oh, brave the life of a Road!     I am a Road; and I would make the whole world one.          I would give hope to duty,          And cover the earth with beauty.     Do you not see, O men! how all this might be done?          So vast the power of the Road!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem speaks volumes about unity, progress, and the spirit of adventure, with the central metaphor being the "Road". Each stanza portrays the road as a living entity with a distinct personality: good, long, kind, wise, and powerful. The repeated phrase "I am a Road" reinforces this personification and links each stanza together, building continuity and rhythm within the poem.

The road is depicted as an agent of connection, bridging together town and country, making "strange cities neighbours," and suggesting a sense of unity and equality. It symbolizes progress, leading from "desolate night" to the "open gates of dawn" and from chaos to order, which hints at a hopeful outlook towards a brighter world. The road's ability to bring "beauty and comfort" and transform "unused spaces" speaks to the transformative power of progress. The tone of the poem is optimistic, celebrating the "great," "bold," "glad," "sweet," and "brave" life of the road. The poem is a call to action, challenging humans to recognize the vast potential and power of the road - a metaphor for human progress and unity.

The poem's structure and rhythm, with its consistent rhyme scheme, contribute to a flowing, rhythmic quality that mirrors the continual movement of a journey. The use of exclamation points at the end of each stanza adds emphasis and enthusiasm, enhancing the optimistic and encouraging tone. It's a beautiful manifestation of how life's journey, represented by the road, can be a transformative and unifying force.

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.