A Novelty

By Gilbert Keith Chesterton

Lyric Poem
    Why should I care for the Ages     Because they are old and grey?     To me, like sudden laughter,     The stars are fresh and gay;     The world is a daring fancy,     And finished yesterday.     Why should I bow to the Ages     Because they were drear and dry?     Slow trees and ripening meadows     For me go roaring by,     A living charge, a struggle     To escalade the sky.     The eternal suns and systems,     Solid and silent all,     To me are stars of an instant,     Only the fires that fall     From God's good rocket, rising     On this night of carnival.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem navigates the realms of time, nature, and spirituality, encapsulating a keen sense of individualistic perspective towards the universe. The speaker dismisses the traditional reverence for the ages, instead embracing a fresh and youthful perspective of the world, finding joy and vibrancy where others might see antiquity and decrepitude.

The first stanza introduces this rebellious stance against aging, with the speaker declaring their perception of the world as "fresh and gay" like "sudden laughter," thus establishing a tone of joy and defiance. The second stanza continues this thread, contrasting the slow, dreariness of the ages with the lively, quicksilver imagery of "slow trees and ripening meadows" going "roaring by." The final stanza brings a spiritual element into play, equating the eternal suns and systems to transient sparks from "God's good rocket," which further underscores the speaker's non-traditional view of the universe. The structure of the poem, comprised of three six-line stanzas, ensures a steady rhythm and flow, reinforcing the unwavering conviction of the speaker's beliefs.

As for literary devices, the poem is rich in metaphors and vivid imagery, such as the stars being likened to "sudden laughter" and the world to a "daring fancy." The alliteration in phrases like "suns and systems, solid and silent all" adds a lyrical quality while reinforcing the poem's theme of celestial grandeur. The poem culminates in a celebratory note with the metaphor of the universe as a "night of carnival," underlining the poem's overall theme of finding joy and awe in the present moment, regardless of the weight of ages past.

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.