The Day Returns

By Robert Burns

Lyric Poem
    Tune - "Seventh of November." I.         The day returns, my bosom burns,             The blissful day we twa did meet,         Tho' winter wild in tempest toil'd,             Ne'er summer-sun was half sae sweet.         Than a' the pride that loads the tide,             And crosses o'er the sultry line;         Than kingly robes, than crowns and globes,             Heaven gave me more, it made thee mine! II.         While day and night can bring delight,             Or nature aught of pleasure give,         While joys above my mind can move,             For thee, and thee alone I live.         When that grim foe of life below,             Comes in between to make us part,         The iron hand that breaks our band,             It breaks my bliss, it breaks my heart.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is an emotive and poignant expression of romantic love, underpinned by a sense of longing and melancholy. The theme of love's transcendental power is prevalent, with the speaker placing the joy of their beloved's company above worldly possessions and natural delights.

The poem’s structure, divided into two stanzas, helps reinforce the contrasting feelings of joy and despair. The first stanza brims with joy and contentment, with the speaker cherishing the day they met their loved one, expressing this sentiment through a series of vivid and warm images. The second stanza, however, introduces a sombre tone, with the inevitability of death looming as a "grim foe". This shift in tone is quite dramatic, underscoring love's vulnerability to mortality.

The poet has effectively used literary devices such as metaphors and imagery to amplify the emotional depth of the poem. The "winter wild in tempest toil'd" juxtaposed with the "summer-sun" is a brilliant metaphor underlining the power of love to triumph over adversities. The poem's rhythm and rhyme scheme, meanwhile, bolster its musicality while also adding a sense of urgency and intensity to the emotions conveyed.

In conclusion, this is a deeply moving love poem that explores the joy of togetherness and the sorrow of inevitable separation, employing vibrant imagery and rich metaphors to evoke a powerful emotional response from the reader.

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.