Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

The poem "Alice Meynell" by Katharine Tynan is a tribute to the English poet Alice Meynell. The poem was published in Tynan's collection of poetry titled "Twenty-five Years: Reminiscences and Notes" in 1913. Katharine Tynan (1861-1931) was an Irish writer known for her poetry, novels, and memoirs. She was a contemporary of Alice Meynell, and the two writers were friends.

The poem consists of four quatrains, each with an ABAB rhyme scheme. The language of the poem is simple and straightforward, reflecting the admiration and reverence that the poet has for Alice Meynell.

In the first stanza, the poet describes Meynell as a "singer sweet and clear," highlighting her musicality and the beauty of her poetry. The stanza also emphasizes the universality of Meynell's work, as she is described as singing "for all men's ear."

The second stanza emphasizes the spiritual and religious nature of Meynell's poetry, describing it as "a psalm of love and rest." The poet also notes the simplicity and purity of Meynell's language, as well as her ability to "touch the heart of man."

In the third stanza, the poet celebrates Meynell's ability to find beauty in the world around her, describing her poetry as "a wreath of flowers and light." The stanza also notes Meynell's ability to capture the fleeting moments of life, as she is described as "the voice that echoes through the years."

The final stanza of the poem is a call to readers to embrace the beauty and spirituality of Meynell's poetry, and to carry it with them as a source of comfort and inspiration. The stanza emphasizes the timelessness of Meynell's work, as it has the power to "live forevermore."

Overall, "Alice Meynell" is a simple and heartfelt tribute to the poetry of Alice Meynell. Through the use of simple language and straightforward imagery, Katharine Tynan captures the beauty, spirituality, and timelessness of Meynell's work, encouraging readers to embrace it and carry it with them always.

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