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Introduction – Lyrical Poetry: The Heart’s Song

Lyrical Poetry: a genre that has captivated audiences for centuries, is characterized by its emotive and musical qualities. Rooted in the ancient oral tradition of song, these poems express the poet’s feelings, thoughts, and experiences in a personal and imaginative manner. This essay will explore the origins of lyrical poetry, its development over time, the various forms it has taken, and examples of renowned poets who have contributed to this rich poetic tradition.

Origins and Development of Lyrical Poetry

The origins of lyrical poetry can be traced back to ancient Greece, where it was performed alongside musical accompaniment, typically a lyre or a flute. This oral tradition laid the foundation for the intimate, personal expression that has become synonymous with the genre. The word “lyric” itself is derived from the Greek word “lyrikos,” which means “singing to the lyre.” The Greeks appreciated the beauty of language and its ability to evoke emotion through the use of rhythm, melody, and imagery.

As the written word became more prevalent, lyrical poetry evolved and began to incorporate elements of other poetic forms, including narrative and dramatic. However, the central focus on personal expression and emotion remained constant. Throughout history, lyrical poetry has adapted to the cultural and literary trends of its time, demonstrating its versatility and enduring appeal.

Emilia McLean writes a poem titled _________ in lyrical style in her book ________________

Forms of Lyrical Poetry

There are numerous forms of lyrical poetry, each with its own unique structure, meter, and rhyme scheme. Some of the most prominent forms include the sonnet, ode, elegy, and ghazal. These forms, while adhering to specific rules, allow poets to convey their innermost feelings and experiences with vivid imagery and musical language.

1. Sonnet: A sonnet is a 14-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme and meter, typically iambic pentameter. There are two main types of sonnets: the Italian or Petrarchan sonnet and the English or Shakespearean sonnet. Both forms explore themes of love, beauty, and the passage of time.
2. Ode: An ode is a lengthy, formal poem that celebrates or praises a person, place, or thing. Odes are characterized by their elaborate structure, elevated language, and emotional intensity. They often feature intricate rhyme schemes and stanzas of varying lengths.
3. Elegy: An elegy is a poem that mourns the loss of someone or something, often written in response to a death. Elegies typically express feelings of sorrow, grief, and longing, as well as reflections on the fleeting nature of life.
4. Ghazal: A ghazal is a form of lyrical poetry that originated in ancient Persia. It consists of rhyming couplets and a refrain, with each line sharing the same meter. Ghazals often explore themes of love, loss, and longing, with a particular emphasis on the pain of separation.

Examples of Poets Writing in Lyrical Poetry

Numerous poets have contributed to the rich tradition of lyrical poetry, each bringing their own distinct voice and perspective to the genre. Some of the most notable poets include:

1. William Shakespeare (1564-1616): The English playwright and poet is renowned for his sonnets, which explore themes of love, beauty, and the passage of time. His mastery of language and imagery has made his work some of the most celebrated and enduring in the English language.

Example: Sonnet 18 (“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?”)

2. John Keats (1795-1821): An English Romantic poet, Keats is known for his lush, sensuous language and vivid imagery. His odes, such as “Ode to a Nightingale” and “Ode on a Grecian Urn,” showcase his ability to convey deep emotion and explore themes of beauty, transience, and the relationship between art and life.

Example: “Ode to a Nightingale”

3. Emily Dickinson (1830-1886): An American poet, Dickinson wrote nearly 1,800 poems, many of which were published posthumously. Her work is characterized by its innovative use of form, syntax, and imagery, as well as its exploration of themes such as love, death, and the nature of existence. Dickinson’s poems often take the form of lyric meditations, reflecting her introspective and deeply personal approach to poetry.

Example: “Hope is the Thing with Feathers”

4. Rainer Maria Rilke (1875-1926): A Bohemian-Austrian poet, Rilke is considered one of the most significant poets in the German language. His work is marked by its philosophical and spiritual themes, as well as its rich imagery and musicality. Rilke’s “Duino Elegies” and “Sonnets to Orpheus” are prime examples of his lyrical style, which combines introspection with a deep sense of connection to the world around him.

Example: “The First Elegy” from “Duino Elegies”

5. Langston Hughes (1902-1967): An African American poet and a central figure of the Harlem Renaissance, Hughes’s poetry is infused with the rhythms and vernacular of jazz and blues music. His work addresses themes of racial identity, social justice, and the African American experience, often incorporating elements of folk and oral traditions. Hughes’s lyrical poetry is characterized by its simplicity, emotional intensity, and musicality.

Example: “The Weary Blues”

6. Pablo Neruda (1904-1973): A Chilean poet and diplomat, Neruda is one of the most celebrated poets in the Spanish language. His work ranges from passionate love poems to political manifestos, all marked by their vivid imagery and emotional resonance. Neruda’s “Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair” and “Odes to Common Things” are exemplary of his lyrical style, which combines sensuality with a keen awareness of the world around him.

Example: “Poem 20” from “Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair”

Conclusion

Lyrical poetry, with its rich history and diverse forms, has endured as a powerful means of personal expression and emotional connection. From the ancient Greeks to contemporary poets, the genre has continued to evolve and adapt to the cultural and literary trends of each era. At its core, lyrical poetry remains an intimate, imaginative exploration of the human experience, allowing poets and readers alike to find solace, inspiration, and understanding in the shared language of the heart’s song. Be sure to check out Emilia McLean’s poetry books: Tattered Dreams Scattered Like Leaves, Every Wish & Every Tear, and Remnants Of Empty Promises.

John Donne is considered to be a metaphysical poet. Metaphysical poetry is written within the framework of spiritual thought. A theme introduced in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. These poets often wrote about complex and abstract ideas, using intricate and sometimes paradoxical imagery and language. They also wrote about love, religion, and the nature of existence. Donne’s poetry is known for its wit, intellectualism, and bold use of metaphor and conceit. Complex and Abstract Poetry. Some of his most famous poems include “The Flea,” “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning,” and “Holy Sonnet XIV.”

John Donne’s A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning is my favourite poem of all time. Some complex and abstract poems that I have written are ___________ found in my book “Remnants of Empty Promises” and ____________ found in my _______________ book. An example of complex and abstract poetry

John Donne was a prominent English poet, theologian and preacher of the late 16th and early 17th centuries. He is considered one of the most renowned figures in the history of English literature. He is particularly renowned for his unique style of poetry, which is often referred to as “metaphysical poetry.” This style is characterized by the use of complex and abstract ideas, intricate imagery, and bold metaphors and conceits.

One of the most striking features of Donne’s poetry is his use of wit and intellectualism. He was highly educated and well-read, and his poetry reflects his deep understanding of classical literature, philosophy, and theology. He often used paradox and irony in his poems. This allowed unexpected twists and turns in his imagery and arguments that keep the reader engaged and on their toes.

An example of his use of misdirection can be seen in his famous poem: “The Flea”. In this poem Donne uses the image of a flea to argue that consummation is a small and insignificant thing. His argument in “The Flea” would have been recognized as morally frowned upon. Readers would have known this and appreciated Donne’s non-conforming wit.

“Mark but this flea, and mark in this,
How little that which thou deniest me is;
It sucked me first, and now sucks thee”

Donne argues because the flea has drawn blood from both the speaker and the subject, that they are already married.

Another important aspect of Donne’s poetry is his use of metaphor and conceit. I use metaphor in my poem _____________ found in ________________. A conceit is a literary device in which a seemingly unlikely or far-fetched comparison is used to create a powerful and lasting image in the reader’s mind. Donne was a master of this technique, and used it to great effect in many of his poems. For example, in “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning,” he compares the separation of two lovers to the separation of two compasses, arguing that even though they may be physically apart, they are still connected by an unbreakable bond.

Donne’s poetry also reflects his deep religious faith, which was a central aspect of his life and work. He wrote many religious poems, including a series of “Holy Sonnets” which explore the nature of God, sin, and redemption. These poems are characterized by their intense emotional intensity and their powerful imagery, which is often rooted in biblical and spiritual themes.

One of the most famous examples of this is the poem “Holy Sonnet XIV,” in which Donne pleads with God to take him to Heaven, despite his many sins and shortcomings. Complex and abstract poetry. He writes, “Batter my heart, three-personed God; for you / As yet but knock, breathe, shine, and seek to mend; / That I may rise and stand, o’erthrow me, and bend / Your force to break, blow, burn, and make me new.” The imagery of God as a powerful force that can transform and redeem the speaker is both powerful and moving.

In conclusion, John Donne was a truly unique and visionary poet, whose work continues to be read, studied and admired to this day. His poetry is characterized by its wit, intellectualism, and bold use of metaphor and conceit. He wrote about complex and abstract ideas, using intricate and sometimes paradoxical imagery and language. His poetry reflects his deep understanding of classical literature, philosophy, and theology and his deep religious faith. He continues to be considered one of the most important figures in the history of English literature.

Read more about John Donne

In Emilia McLeans poem ‘Those Piercing Eyes’ she references “those eyes that spark within me with one look” igniting a growing love with every thought. A growing closeness and understanding and a love so strong that each tear or her lover that she consumes brings a greater meaning to her. She drops to her knees and she cant get enough of the infinite starlight reminding her of all loves joys.

Another famous example of romantic poetry that references eyes is William Blake’s poem “The Lamb” from his collection “Songs of Innocence and of Experience.” The poem describes the innocence and simplicity of a lamb through the imagery of its “tender voice” and “meek and mild” eyes.

Another example is Percy Bysshe Shelley’s poem “Mutability” in which he writes “We are as clouds that veil the midnight moon; How restlessly they speed and gleam and quiver, Streaking the darkness radiantly! – yet soon Night closes round, and they are lost forever”

John Keats’ poem “Ode to a Nightingale” is also a famous example of romantic poetry that references dreams. In the poem, the speaker is entranced by the song of a nightingale and longs to escape into the bird’s world of “faded forests” and “happy, happy boughs.” He dreams of being able to “fade far away, dissolve, and quite forget” his mortal troubles.

William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18 is another example of romantic poetry that references eyes and dreams. “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate: Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer’s lease hath all too short a stay: Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines, And often is his gold complexion dimm’d; But thy eternal beauty shall not fade, Nor lose possession of that fair thou owest; Nor shall Death brag thou wander’st in his shade, When in eternal lines to time thou growest: So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.”

Emilia McLean’s romantic poetry Every Wish & Every Tear is amazing.

Depression and anxiety are common mental health conditions that can have a significant impact on an individual’s life. Many people who struggle with these conditions have turned to poetry as a way of expressing their feelings and experiences. Poetry can be a powerful tool for coping with difficult emotions and for expressing oneself in a way that feels authentic and genuine.

Depression and Anxiety in poetry often deals with themes of sadness, hopelessness, and isolation. The poems can be dark, somber, and introspective, reflecting the feelings of despair and emptiness that are common in depression.

“The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot, is a great example of this, as it reflects on the speaker’s inadequacies and inability to express his desire for a woman he is attracted to, it also reflects on the inner thoughts of a man struggling with feelings of insecurity and self-doubt.

In “The Waste Land” also by T.S. Eliot, the poet uses vivid imagery and symbolism to explore the theme of mental and emotional desolation, which reflects the feelings of despair and emptiness that are common in depression.

Anxiety poetry often deals with themes of fear, worry, and uncertainty. The poems can be intense and unsettling, reflecting the feelings of nervousness and agitation that are common in anxiety.

Poetry can also be used as a form of self-expression and self-discovery for those who struggle with depression and anxiety. Many poets have used their art to process their feelings and experiences, and to find meaning in the midst of difficult emotions.

Poems such as “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost, “Because I could not stop for Death” by Emily Dickinson, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost, all reflect on the theme of life choices and regrets, and how they can affect one’s emotional well-being.

It’s important to remember that poetry should not be used as a form of self-diagnosis or as a substitute for professional help. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety, it’s important to seek out professional help and support. Therapy, medication, and self-care practices can all be effective ways of managing these conditions.

In conclusion, poetry can be a powerful tool for coping with depression and anxiety. Poetry can be used to express difficult emotions and experiences, and to find meaning in the midst of difficult emotions. Many poets have used their art to process their feelings and experiences, and to find meaning in the midst of difficult emotions.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition characterized by a pattern of instability in moods, behaviour, and self-image. It can be a difficult condition to understand and cope with, and many people who have BPD have turned to poetry as a way of expressing their feelings and experiences.

One example of a poem that deals with BPD is “Borderline” by Jasmine C. Johnson. The poem describes the feelings of emotional turmoil and self-destructive behaviour that are common in BPD, and it speaks to the isolation and confusion that can come with the condition.

Another example is “The Mask” by L.H. Neve. This poem describes the experience of living with BPD, and it speaks to the feeling of being trapped behind a facade, while the person inside is struggling. The poem also touches on the theme of self-destructive behaviour.

“Fragile” by C.C. is a poem that speaks to the theme of emotional volatility and the fear of abandonment associated with BPD. The poem speaks of the fear of being alone and the need for constant validation and support, that can be a symptom of the condition.

“Unpredictable” by B.B. is a poem that describes the experience of living with BPD, and it speaks to the theme of emotional instability, impulsivity and self-destructive behavior.

It’s important to note that everyone’s experience with BPD is different, and that the poems mentioned above are just a few examples of how people may express their feelings and experiences. Poetry can be a powerful tool for coping with difficult emotions and experiences, and for expressing oneself in a way that feels authentic and genuine.

It’s also important to remember that poetry should not be used as a form of self-diagnosis or as a substitute for professional help. If you or someone you know is struggling with BPD or any other mental health condition, it’s important to seek out professional help and support.

I struggle and suffer from borderline personality disorder. My poetry is my window to expressing my thoughts, feelings and pain.

Sexual and sensual desire poetry is a genre that explores the complex and nuanced aspects of human sexuality and desire. These poems often use imagery and metaphor to convey the physical and emotional experiences of desire, as well as the social and cultural contexts in which it takes place.

One of the most famous poets associated with this genre is John Donne, who wrote during the early 17th century. Donne’s poetry is renowned for its use of wit, irony, and metaphor, and many of his poems deal with the theme of sexual desire. In “The Flea,” for example, Donne uses the imagery of a flea biting both himself and his lover to argue that their union in the flea’s body is a small but significant step towards full sexual union. Similarly, in “The Sun Rising,” Donne addresses the sun as if it were a person, telling it to go away and leave him and his lover alone, so that they can enjoy their private moment together.

Another famous poet associated with sexual and sensual desire poetry is Elizabeth Barrett Browning, who wrote during the 19th century. Barrett Browning’s poetry is often characterized by its intensity and passion, and many of her poems deal with the theme of love and desire. In “How Do I Love Thee?” for example, the speaker reflects on the depth and intensity of her love for her partner, using erotic imagery to convey the physical and emotional aspects of desire.

T.S. Eliot’s “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” is a 20th century masterpiece, which reflects on the speaker’s inadequacies and inability to express his desire for a woman he is attracted to. The poem is a narrative of a man’s inner thoughts, who is struggling with feelings of insecurity and self-doubt, as he contemplates approaching a woman he is attracted to. The poem also explores the theme of sexual desire, as the speaker reflects on the physical and emotional aspects of desire, as well as the social and cultural contexts in which it takes place.

In Lord Byron’s “She Walks in Beauty,” the speaker reflects on a woman’s beauty and how it inspires feelings of love and desire. The poem uses imagery and metaphor to convey the physical and emotional aspects of desire, as well as the social and cultural contexts in which it takes place. The poem is a celebration of beauty, and it is a tribute to the powerful effect that beauty can have on human emotions and desires.

In conclusion, sexual and sensual desire poetry is a genre that explores the complex and nuanced aspects of human sexuality and desire. These poems often use imagery and metaphor to convey the physical and emotional experiences of desire, as well as the social and cultural contexts in which it takes place. Poets like John Donne, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, T.S. Eliot, and Lord Byron have all contributed to this genre, creating works that are renowned for their wit, passion, and insight into the human condition.

In My first book ‘Every Wish & Every Tear‘ I write poetry in this genre.

Lesbian and bisexual poetry is a genre of poetry that explores the experiences and emotions of individuals who identify as lesbian or bisexual. This type of poetry often deals with themes of love, desire, and relationships between people of the same gender.

One of the most famous examples of lesbian poetry is the work of Audre Lorde. Lorde was a self-described “black lesbian feminist mother warrior” and her poetry often dealt with themes of race, gender, and sexuality. Her poem “The Black Unicorn” explores the intersections of her identity as a black lesbian woman and the power and beauty that she finds within herself.

Another example of lesbian poetry is the work of Adrienne Rich. Rich’s poetry often dealt with themes of sexuality and gender, and her poem “Twenty-One Love Poems” is a collection of love poems written from the perspective of a lesbian woman. The poems explore themes of desire, love, and relationships between women.

An example of bisexual poetry is the work of Emily Dickinson, one of the most famous poets of all time, her poetry often includes themes of love and desire, and many of her poems are written in a tone of longing and yearning. It’s speculated that Dickinson’s desire for women, however, she never explicitly mentioned it in her poetry, but the longing and unrequited love found in her poetry is often interpreted as a representation of her attraction to women.

In more recent times, contemporary poets like Eileen Myles, and Warsan Shire, also write openly about their sexuality and their experiences as lesbian and bisexual individuals. Their poetry explores themes of love, desire, and relationships between individuals of the same gender, while also addressing the broader social and political context of being a queer person.

In conclusion, lesbian and bisexual poetry is a genre of poetry that explores the experiences and emotions of individuals who identify as lesbian or bisexual. This type of poetry often deals with themes of love, desire, and relationships between people of the same gender and is written by poets like Audre Lorde, Adrienne Rich, Emily Dickinson, Eileen Myles and Warsan Shire.

In my book ‘Tattered Dreams Scattered Like Leaves‘ I write in this genre. I was living in Ottawa, not feeling like it was home, exploring my bisexuality and struggling with borderline personality disorder.

Love loss poetry is a genre of poetry that explores the emotions and feelings associated with the loss of love. This type of poetry is often written in a melancholic or sorrowful tone, as it deals with the pain and heartache that can come with the end of a relationship.

One of the most famous examples of love loss poetry is the poem “When I consider how my light is spent” by John Milton. This poem is a reflection on the speaker’s feelings of loss and despair following the end of a relationship. The speaker expresses their longing for their lost love, and their grief at the thought of never seeing them again.

Another example of love loss poetry is “Remember” by Christina Rossetti. This poem is written from the perspective of a speaker who is remembering a past love and the memories they shared together. The speaker expresses their sadness at the loss of that love, and the longing they feel for their lost companion.

In “Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe, the speaker tells a story of a love that was lost too soon. The poem is written in a melancholic tone, with the speaker expressing their deep sorrow and longing for their lost love, Annabel Lee. The poem speaks of how the speaker and Annabel were young and in love, but fate took her away from the speaker and they’re forever bound in death.

W.H Auden’s “Stop All the Clocks” also known as “Funeral Blues” is another famous example of love loss poetry. This poem is written in a bitter and angry tone, as the speaker laments the death of their lover. The speaker expresses their feelings of loss and despair, and their desire for the world to stop in mourning for their lost love.

A more modern example of love loss poetry is “The Breakup” by Warsan Shire. This poem explores the feelings of heartache and pain that can come with the end of a relationship. The speaker expresses their longing for their lost love, and their sense of emptiness and loss without them.

In conclusion, love loss poetry is a genre of poetry that deals with the emotions and feelings associated with the loss of love. It often explores themes of sorrow, longing, and heartache, and is written in a melancholic or sorrowful tone. Some of the most famous examples of love loss poetry include works by John Milton, Christina Rossetti, Edgar Allan Poe, W.H Auden and Warsan Shire.

My ‘Remnants of Empty Promises’ collection of poetry is centred around love & loss. Reading ‘Every Wish & Every Tear’ you will also find examples of Love Loss Poetry…