Address To The Wood-Lark

By Robert Burns

Lyric Poem
    Tune - "Where'll bonnie Ann lie." I.         O stay, sweet warbling woodlark, stay!         Nor quit for me the trembling spray;         A hapless lover courts thy lay,             Thy soothing fond complaining. II.         Again, again that tender part,             That I may catch thy melting art;         For surely that would touch her heart,             Wha kills me wi' disdaining. III.         Say, was thy little mate unkind,         And heard thee as the careless wind?         Oh, nocht but love and sorrow join'd,             Sic notes o' woe could wauken. IV.         Thou tells o' never-ending care;         O' speechless grief and dark despair:         For pity's sake, sweet bird, nae mair!             Or my poor heart is broken!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poignant poem, composed in a traditional ballad form, is a heartfelt exploration of unrequited love and emotional despair. The central theme is the speaker's identification with the bird's song, which he interprets as a reflection of his own sorrowful state. The bird serves as a metaphorical device, its melancholic song resonating with his feelings of rejection and yearning for an unresponsive beloved.

The tone of the poem is distinctly melancholic, with the speaker pleading with the bird to stay and continue its sorrowful melody, hoping it might stir some compassion in his beloved. This tone is reinforced by the repetition of phrases such as 'O stay, sweet warbling woodlark, stay!' and 'Again, again that tender part,' which emphasize the speaker's desperation and longing. The structure of the poem, divided into four stanzas, flows seamlessly, each verse adding a new layer to the speaker's emotional state. The language, while simple, is evocative, creating a vivid image of the speaker's plight, and the use of dialect provides a touch of authenticity, enhancing the personal and emotional nature of the poem. The poem concludes with a plea for mercy, with the speaker unable to bear any more sorrow, effectively highlighting the intensity of his feelings and the depth of his despair.

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.