To The Muse

By Mark Akenside

Lyric Poem
Queen of my songs, harmonious maid, Ah why hast thou withdrawn thy aid? Ah why forsaken thus my breast With inauspicious damps oppress'd? Where is the dread prophetic heat, With which my bosom wont to beat? Where all the bright mysterious dreams Of haunted groves and tuneful streams, That woo'd my genius to divinest themes? Say, goddess, can the festal board, Or young Olympia's form ador'd; Say, can the pomp of promis'd fame Relume thy faint, thy dying flame? Or have melodious airs the power To give one free, poetic hour? Or, from amid the Elysian train, The soul of Milton shall i gain, To win thee back with some celestial strain? O powerful strain! o sacred soul! His numbers every sense controul: And now again my bosom burns; The Muse, the Muse herself returns. Such on the banks of Tyne, confess'd, I hail'd the fair immortal guest, When first she seal'd me for her own, Made all her blissful treasures known, And bade me swear to follow Her alone.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a lamentation of the poet's lost muse and a desperate plea for her return. It's a plaintive exploration of the creative process, the ebb and flow of inspiration, and the struggle of artistic creation. The tone is one of longing and frustration, punctuated by moments of hope and reverence for the power of poetic expression.

The poem employs a structured rhythm and rhyme scheme, which underscores the seriousness of the speaker's plea. It contains vivid imagery and metaphysical elements, as exemplified in lines that reference "haunted groves and tuneful streams," and the invocation of the "soul of Milton." The use of the goddess and celestial imagery, common in the tradition of romantic and classical poetry, lends an air of grandeur to the poet's quest for inspiration.

The poem also explores the tension between worldly and artistic pursuits. The speaker questions whether the allure of fame, the beauty of a woman, or festive celebrations can reignite the poetic spark. Yet, it becomes clear that only the divine power of the muse, the "sacred soul" of poetic expression, can truly satisfy and rekindle the poet's creative fire. In the end, the speaker's fervent hope is the return of the muse, a return to the blissful treasures of poetic inspiration, emphasizing the primacy of the artistic calling over other forms of human endeavor.

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.