Art Colours

By Gilbert Keith Chesterton

Lyric Poem
    On must we go: we search dead leaves,     We chase the sunset's saddest flames,     The nameless hues that o'er and o'er     In lawless wedding lost their names.     God of the daybreak! Better be     Black savages; and grin to gird     Our limbs in gaudy rags of red,     The laughing-stock of brute and bird;     And feel again the fierce old feast,     Blue for seven heavens that had sufficed,     A gold like shining hoards, a red     Like roses from the blood of Christ.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem, rich in its melancholic tone and vivid imagery, explores themes of the human condition, spirituality, and the longing for simpler, more primal times. The opening lines depict a relentless journey into the unknown, underscored by the imagery of 'searching dead leaves' and 'chasing the sunset's saddest flames.' The quest seems futile and tinged with sadness, yet it persists. The use of 'nameless hues' and 'lawless wedding' suggests a world beyond comprehension and control, perhaps a metaphor for life itself.

The second half of the poem introduces the 'God of the daybreak', invoking a spiritual element that contrasts with the earthly pursuits of the first stanza. The poet yearns for a return to a primitive state, painted by the 'black savages' and 'gaudy rags of red'. This longing for raw and unadulterated vitality is juxtaposed with the speaker's contemporary discontent. The final lines, referring to 'seven heavens', 'shining hoards', and 'roses from the blood of Christ' echo religious imagery, signifying a search for divine meaning and profound truths. The poem's structure, moving from a desolate journey to a spiritual quest, reflects the human desire to find purpose and meaning amidst the chaos and uncertainty of life.

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.