To Chloris

By Robert Burns

Lyric Poem
        'Tis Friendship's pledge, my young, fair friend,             Nor thou the gift refuse,         Nor with unwilling ear attend             The moralizing muse.         Since thou in all thy youth and charms,             Must bid the world adieu,         (A world 'gainst peace in constant arms)             To join the friendly few.         Since, thy gay morn of life o'ercast,             Chill came the tempest's lower;         (And ne'er misfortune's eastern blast             Did nip a fairer flower.)         Since life's gay scenes must charm no more,             Still much is left behind;         Still nobler wealth hast thou in store,             The comforts of the mind!         Thine is the self-approving glow,             On conscious honour's part;         And, dearest gift of heaven below,             Thine friendship's truest heart.         The joys refin'd of sense and taste,             With every muse to rove:         And doubly were the poet blest,             These joys could he improve.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem presents a poignant exploration of friendship, loss, and the internal life. It begins by invoking the theme of friendship as a refuge from the world's troubles, a sentiment that continues throughout the poem. This consistent theme, coupled with the recurring motif of the 'young, fair friend' bidding the world adieu, suggests a shift from external charms to internal virtues, possibly due to an unnamed tragedy.

The tone of the poem is both melancholic and hopeful; melancholic due to the loss of youthful exuberance and the world's charm, yet hopeful in the face of adversity. The poet employs personification effectively, presenting misfortune as an 'eastern blast' that nips a fair flower, underlining the harshness of life's trials. Simultaneously, the poem emphasizes the power of the human spirit, the 'self-approving glow' of conscious honour, and the 'friendship's truest heart'—a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of moral virtue.

The structure of the poem, consistent in its rhyming scheme and meter, contributes to its overall solemn and reflective mood. Furthermore, it allows the poet to transition smoothly between themes, making the poem feel like an intimate conversation between the poet and the 'fair friend'. The poem concludes with a note of optimism and a nod to the joys of intellectual pursuits, suggesting that despite life's adversities, beauty and fulfillment can still be found in friendship, honour, and the 'muses'.

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.