Truth by Oliver Herford (1910)
The poem presents a speaker who rejects conventional romantic comparisons often used in poetry. Instead of likening the beloved's features to celestial or natural elements, the speaker asserts a preference for honesty over flattery. The speaker emphasizes a disdain for clichéd metaphors, suggesting that true admiration does not require embellishment. The tone is playful yet assertive, as the speaker values authenticity and expresses a desire to appreciate beauty in its own right, rather than through tired tropes. The work critiques the tendency of poets to resort to overused imagery, advocating for a more genuine expression of affection. The speaker's refusal to engage in such comparisons highlights a commitment to sincerity in relationships, suggesting that true beauty deserves recognition without the need for exaggerated praise. The poem ultimately champions a straightforward approach to love and admiration, valuing the unique qualities of the beloved without the need for artificial adornment.
By Oliver Herford · First published 1910 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Satire · 118 words
First lines
Permit me, madame, to declare / That I never will compare / Eyes of yours to Starlight cold, / Or your locks to Sunlight's gold, / Or your lips, I'd have you know, / To the crimson Jacqueminot.
Stuff like that's all very fine / When you get so much a line; / Since I don't, I scorn to tell / Flattering lies. I like too well / Sun and Stars and Jacqueminot / To flatter them, I'd have you know.
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal feelings and emotions, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Satire — The poem critiques the practice of flattery and insincere comparisons, reflecting satirical elements.
- Romanticism — The focus on personal emotion and nature aligns with themes of Romantic literature.
Tags
Philosophical · Satirical · Poetic · Humorous · Social Commentary · Cultural Critique · Irony · Sarcasm · Fictionalized Nonfiction · Literary Device · Symbolism · Allegory
What this Textopian page supports
Truth is listed on Textopian as a poem by Oliver Herford, dated 1910 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Oliver Herford
- Date: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Satire, Romanticism, Humor
- Length: 118 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
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