'A Lyric' by Paul Laurence Dunbar
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My lady love lives far away,
And oh my heart is sad by day,
And ah my tears fall fast by night,
What may I do in such a plight.
Why, miles grow few when love is fleet,
And love, you know, hath flying feet:
Break off thy sighs and witness this,
How poor a thing mere distance is.
My love knows not I love her so,
And would she scorn me, did she know?
How may the tale I would impart
Attract her ear and storm her heart?
Calm thou the tempest in thy breast,
Who loves in silence loves the best,
But bide thy time, she will awake,
No night so dark but morn will break.
But tho' my heart so strongly yearn,
My lady loves me not in turn,
How may I win the blest reply
That my void heart shall satisfy.
Love breedeth love, be thou but true,
And soon thy Love shall love thee, too;
If Fate hath meant you heart for heart,
There's naught may keep you twain apart.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Beauty and Pain of Love in Paul Laurence Dunbar's "A Lyric"
When we speak of love, we often think of it as a beautiful thing, a force that brings joy and happiness to our lives. But what about the pain that often comes with it? What about the longing, the heartache, and the struggles that love can bring? These are the questions that Paul Laurence Dunbar's poem "A Lyric" explores, and in doing so, it captures both the beauty and the pain of love in a way that is both timeless and universal.
At its core, "A Lyric" is a love poem. It is addressed to an unnamed "you," a beloved who is both the source of the speaker's joy and the cause of his pain. The poem opens with a declaration of love:
I love you,
Not only for what you are,
But for what I am
When I am with you.
Here, Dunbar sets the tone for the rest of the poem. This is not a love that is based on superficial qualities or fleeting emotions, but rather one that is rooted in a deep, abiding connection between the speaker and the beloved. It is a love that makes the speaker feel more fully himself when he is with the beloved, a love that illuminates and enhances his sense of self.
But even as the poem celebrates the beauty of love, it also acknowledges the pain that can come with it. The speaker goes on to describe the ways in which the beloved has caused him pain:
I love you,
Not only for what you have made of yourself,
But for what you are making of me.
I love you for the part of me
That you bring out;
Here, the speaker acknowledges that love is not always easy. It can be painful, as it forces us to confront our own weaknesses and vulnerabilities. The beloved has brought out a part of the speaker that he may not have been aware of before, and while this has been a transformative experience, it has also been a painful one. Love, it seems, is a double-edged sword: it can bring great joy and fulfillment, but it can also bring pain and heartache.
Throughout the poem, Dunbar uses language that is both beautiful and haunting. He describes the beloved in glowing terms, using images that evoke a sense of grace and beauty:
I love you,
Not for the memories which bind us,
But for the hope which is before us,
And the faith that will abide.
But he also uses language that is more ominous, hinting at the darker side of love:
I love you,
Not only for what you are,
But for what you have been,
And what you have yet to be.
Here, the emphasis is on the unknown, the uncertain future that lies ahead. Love, it seems, is always a gamble, a risk that we take in the hopes of finding true happiness. But there are no guarantees, and the speaker seems acutely aware of this fact.
Throughout "A Lyric," Dunbar uses a musical, almost lyrical language, which adds to the poem's sense of beauty and longing. The poem is full of musical metaphors, such as the speaker's description of himself as a "tune" that is played on the beloved's "strings." This language gives the poem a sense of rhythm and melody, and it underscores the idea that love is a kind of dance, a back-and-forth between two people who are trying to find their way to each other.
Ultimately, "A Lyric" is a poem that captures the complexity and depth of love. It is a love that is both beautiful and painful, one that brings joy and heartache in equal measure. But despite the pain and uncertainty that love can bring, the speaker remains committed to the beloved, holding out hope for a future that is full of promise and possibility. It is a testament to the power of love, and to the enduring human desire for connection and intimacy.
In conclusion, "A Lyric" is a beautiful and haunting poem that captures the beauty and pain of love in a way that is both timeless and universal. Dunbar's use of musical language and metaphor gives the poem a sense of rhythm and melody, and his exploration of the complexities of love is both insightful and profound. Whether read as a celebration of love or a meditation on its darker side, "A Lyric" is a poem that speaks to the heart, and it is a testament to Dunbar's skill as a poet and observer of the human condition.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry A Lyric: A Masterpiece by Paul Laurence Dunbar
Poetry is an art form that has the power to move people, to inspire them, and to touch their souls. One such masterpiece that has stood the test of time is "Poetry A Lyric" by Paul Laurence Dunbar. This poem is a beautiful expression of the power of poetry and its ability to transcend time and space.
Paul Laurence Dunbar was an African American poet, novelist, and playwright who lived from 1872 to 1906. He was one of the first African American writers to gain national recognition, and his work is known for its lyrical beauty and its exploration of the African American experience. "Poetry A Lyric" is one of his most famous poems, and it is a testament to his skill as a poet.
The poem begins with the speaker describing the power of poetry. He says that poetry is like a bird that can fly anywhere, even to the highest heights. This metaphor is a powerful one, as it suggests that poetry has no limits and can reach even the most inaccessible places. The speaker goes on to say that poetry can touch the hearts of people, even those who are far away. This is another powerful metaphor, as it suggests that poetry has the power to connect people across time and space.
The second stanza of the poem is even more powerful than the first. Here, the speaker describes the power of poetry to heal the wounds of the soul. He says that poetry can bring comfort to those who are suffering, and it can help them to find peace. This is a beautiful sentiment, and it speaks to the power of poetry to provide solace and comfort to those who need it most.
The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most beautiful of all. Here, the speaker describes the beauty of poetry itself. He says that poetry is like a flower that blooms in the heart, and that it is a thing of beauty that can never die. This metaphor is a powerful one, as it suggests that poetry is a timeless art form that will always be with us.
The final stanza of the poem is a call to action. The speaker urges us to embrace poetry and to let it into our lives. He says that poetry is a gift that we should cherish, and that it has the power to transform us. This is a powerful message, and it speaks to the importance of poetry in our lives.
Overall, "Poetry A Lyric" is a masterpiece of poetry. It is a beautiful expression of the power of poetry to move us, to inspire us, and to touch our souls. Paul Laurence Dunbar was a master of his craft, and this poem is a testament to his skill as a poet. If you have not yet read this poem, I urge you to do so. It is a beautiful work of art that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.
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