The Trinkets

By Gilbert Keith Chesterton

Lyric Poem
    A wandering world of rivers,     A wavering world of trees,     If the world grow dim and dizzy     With all changes and degrees,     It is but Our Lady's mirror     Hung dreaming in its place,     Shining with only shadows     Till she wakes it with her face.     The standing whirlpool of the stars,     The wheel of all the world,     Is a ring on Our Lady's finger     With the suns and moons empearled     With stars for stones to please her     Who sits playing with her rings     With the great heart that a woman has     And the love of little things.     Wings of the whirlwind of the world     From here to Ispahan,     Spurning the flying forests     Are light as Our Lady's fan:     For all things violent here and vain     Lie open and all at ease     Where God has girded heaven to guard     Her holy vanities.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem is a beautiful exploration of the relationship between the natural world, spirituality, and femininity. The recurring themes of nature and the cosmos are presented through rich, evocative imagery and a sense of awe-inspiring grandeur. There is a serene and contemplative tone threaded throughout the poem, as the speaker marvels at the spiritual significance of the natural world.

The structure of the poem, with its consistent rhythm and rhyme, adds to the sense of harmony and unity that pervades the piece. The personification of nature and the cosmos as "Our Lady" imbues these elements with a gentle, nurturing femininity, positioning her as a divine force that animates and gives purpose to the universe. This is a spiritual poem that uses earthly and cosmic images to convey profound religious and philosophical concepts in an accessible, engaging way. Standout literary devices include vivid imagery, personification, and metaphor. The poem invites the reader to consider the interplay between the natural world and the divine, suggesting a deep interconnectedness between all things.

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.