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.
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
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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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