The Reason

Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox

    Do you know what moves the tides
         As they swing from low to high?
    'Tis the love, love, love,
         Of the moon within the sky.
    Oh! they follow where she guides,
    Do the faithful-hearted tides.

    Do you know what moves the earth
         Out of winter into spring?
    'Tis the love, love, love,
         Of the sun, the mighty king.
    Oh the rapture that finds birth
    In the kiss of sun and earth!

    Do you know what makes sweet songs
         Ring for me above earth's strife?
    'Tis the love, love, love,
         That you bring into my life,
    Oh the glory of the songs
    In the heart where love belongs!
Send via Email Share via WhatsApp Share on X

Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a romantic exploration of the natural world, connecting the celestial and terrestrial motifs to personal emotions. The central theme is love, which is portrayed as the driving force behind everything, from the movement of tides to the change of seasons, and ultimately the joy in the speaker's life. The poet uses the repetition of the word "love" to emphasize its significance and omnipresence, and this repetition also contributes to the rhythmic quality of the poem.

The tone of the poem is one of awe and wonder, with the speaker marveling at the power of love in both grand, cosmic phenomena and intimate, personal relationships. This dichotomy is reflected in the structure of the poem, which is divided into three stanzas, each focusing on a different aspect of the natural world: the tides, the earth's seasons, and finally, the speaker's own emotional world. The poet also employs a consistent rhyme scheme which adds a rhythmic flow, mirroring the ebb and flow of the tides and the cyclical change of seasons discussed in the text. The metaphor of the celestial bodies (the moon and the sun) as lovers guiding the natural world, and the speaker's own emotions, is a standout literary device that adds a layer of depth to the poem. The poem concludes by tying these grand cosmic phenomena back to the speaker's personal experience of love, reinforcing the interconnectedness of all things through this powerful 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.