The Red, Red Rose

By Robert Burns

Lyric Poem
    Air - "Hughie Graham." I.         O were my love yon lilac fair,             Wi' purple blossoms to the spring;         And I, a bird to shelter there,             When wearied on my little wing!         How I wad mourn, when it was torn             By autumn wild, and winter rude!         But I wad sing on wanton wing,             When youthfu' May its bloom renewed. II.         O gin my love were yon red rose,             That grows upon the castle wa';         And I mysel' a drap o' dew,             Into her bonnie breast to fa'!         Oh, there beyond expression blest,             I'd feast on beauty a' the night;         Seal'd on her silk-saft faulds to rest,             Till fley'd awa by Phoebus' light.

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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 beautiful exploration of love, nature, and the inevitable passage of time. The poet employs vivid and delicate imagery, comparing a beloved to a lilac and a rose, while the speaker aspires to be a bird or a droplet of dew, seeking to find shelter or rest in their beloved's presence. This not only creates an intimate connection between the two but also draws a parallel between human love and the natural world, reinforcing the theme of transience and renewal.

The tone of the poem is both romantic and melancholic, reflecting the joy and pain of love. The poet's use of dialect adds authenticity and depth, grounding the lofty themes in a specific cultural context. The structure is neat and balanced, the two stanzas corresponding to two different, yet similar, metaphoric scenarios. The use of the seasons to denote the passing of time is particularly striking, with 'autumn wild, and winter rude' representing hardship and decay, and 'youthfu' May' symbolising rebirth and rejuvenation. The final line, referring to being 'fley'd awa by Phoebus' light,' adds a classical touch, ending the poem with the notion of inevitable separation and longing, a universal experience in love.

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.