'Twas Na Her Bonnie Blue Een.

By Robert Burns

Lyric Poem
    Tune - "Laddie, lie near me." I.         'Twas na her bonnie blue een was my ruin;         Fair tho' she be, that was ne'er my undoing:         'Twas the dear smile when naebody did mind us,         'Twas the bewitching, sweet stown glance o' kindness. II.         Sair do I fear that to hope is denied me,         Sair do I fear that despair maun abide me!         But tho' fell fortune should fate us to sever,         Queen shall she be in my bosom for ever. III.         Mary, I'm thine wi' a passion sincerest,         And thou hast plighted me love o' the dearest!         And thou'rt the angel that never can alter -         Sooner the sun in his motion would falter.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem under examination is a poignant exploration of unrequited or threatened love, emphasizing the speaker’s profound emotional connection to the object of his affection. The use of dialect lends an authentic, intimate voice to the speaker's expressions of love and despair, enhancing the overall emotional impact.

The poem unfolds in three quatrains, each following an ABAB rhyme scheme that maintains a rhythmic consistency throughout. The first stanza introduces the speaker's love interest, focusing not on her physical attributes but on the "sweet stown glance o' kindness" that has bewitched him. This emphasis on internal beauty over external appearance underscores the depth of the speaker's feelings.

The second stanza introduces a tone of despair, expressing the speaker's fear that his love might not be reciprocated or that circumstances may separate them. However, his devotion remains unshaken - he will regard her as his "queen" regardless. The final stanza concludes with a solemn vow of unwavering love, comparing his steadfast affection to the unalterable motion of the sun. This comparison, a hyperbole, suggests the magnitude of his feelings, making it a standout literary device in this poem.

Overall, this poem is a heartfelt testament to enduring love, marked by its focus on emotional depth over physical beauty, its exploration of hope and despair, and its use of strong, vivid imagery.

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.