An Hour (Lyrics of Labour and Romance)
The poem explores the theme of time and its relationship to human experience. It describes an hour as a fleeting moment that can be filled with either labor or romance. The speaker reflects on how people often spend their hours in mundane tasks, but also notes that these moments can be imbued with beauty and significance. The poem touches on the idea that even in the most ordinary-seeming activities, there is potential for transcendence and connection to something greater. It suggests that it's up to the individual to choose how they fill their time, whether with purpose or distraction. Ultimately, the poem presents a nuanced view of time, highlighting both its limitations and its possibilities.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1907 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Lyric · 182 words
First lines
You only promised me a single hour: But in that hour I journeyed through a year Of life: the joy of finding you, -- the fear Of losing you again, -- the sense of power To make you all my own, -- the sudden shower Of tears that came because you were more dear Than words could ever tell you, -- then, -- the clear Soft rapture when I plucked love's crimson flower.
An hour, -- a year, -- I felt your bosom rise And fall with mystic tides, and saw the gleam Of undiscovered stars within your eyes, -- A year, -- an hour? I knew not, for the stream Of love had carried me to Paradise, Where all the forms of Time are like a dream.
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An Hour (Lyrics of Labour and Romance) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1907 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Henry Van Dyke
- Date: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Lyric, Philosophical
- Length: 182 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme, meter, and imagery.
- Romance — The themes revolve around love, emotional connection, and the intensity of romantic feelings.
- Lyric — The focus is on personal emotions and experiences, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Philosophical — The exploration of time and its perception suggests a deeper philosophical inquiry.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Labor · Social Commentary · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Symbolism · Imagery · Figurative Language · Metaphor · Allegory · Feminist Themes