Request by Virna Sheard (1915)

Name: Request
Author: Virna Sheard

The narrative follows a protagonist burdened by enduring sorrow and weariness, who embarks on an inner journey toward hope and renewal. Set against rich, natural imagery and lyrical language, the work explores the tension between deep grief and the promise of rejuvenation. At its heart is an impassioned plea for an almost mystical song—a song capable of easing old sorrows, diminishing the sharpness of care, and invoking memories of lost joy. This request becomes a metaphor for the human longing to recapture moments of beauty and serenity in a world often darkened by despair. Throughout the work, nature plays a central role. The shifting seasons, the flight of the sky lark, and the flowing cadence of rivers are not mere backdrops but active expressions of emotion and transformation. Each element of the natural world is imbued with symbolic significance—signaling the cyclic process of loss and rebirth. The imagery of locked-away joy, waiting to be released by the transformative power of song, underscores the idea that hope is often hidden and must be sought out with deliberate effort. The narrative is structured with interludes of lyrical verse that mirror the protagonist’s internal state. These passages evoke a range of emotions from nostalgic longing to quiet exhilaration. They serve as both a lament and an incantation, suggesting that the act of remembering beauty has the potential to alter one’s destiny. The interplay between music and memory becomes a central motif, illustrating how art can provide solace and unlock channels to a deeper understanding of joy amid life’s inevitable sufferings. The protagonist’s journey is both outward and inward. On one level, the quest for the elusive song represents a desire to reconnect with a lost past—a time when joy was unencumbered and free. On another, more metaphorical level, it is an exploration of the self, an attempt to reconcile with the intertwined nature of pain and happiness. The song, echoing with the promise of renewal, acts as a catalyst for personal transformation, suggesting that even in the presence of profound grief, there is a continual opportunity for rebirth and rediscovery. By the work's conclusion, the interplay between lament and hope reveals a transformative insight: that sorrow is not an endpoint but a necessary passage toward a more profound appreciation of life’s beauty. The recurring themes of nature’s cycles, the redemptive quality of art, and the enduring capacity for hope merge to form a meditation on the resilience of the human spirit. The narrative posits that in every ending there is an inherent seed of a new beginning—a promise that echoes through all morrows, waiting to be awakened by the stirring of a heartfelt song.

By Virna Sheard · First published 1915 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Romantic · 279 words

First lines

(To E. M.)

Sing me a song -- a song to ease old sorrows, And dull the edge of care -- A song of Hope to ring through all the morrows That be my share.

Unlock the doors where joy hath been in hiding, Though barred they be and strong, And send black grief far down the wind a-riding -- Sing me a song.

Sing thou thy sky-lark song of sweetest daring, And April ecstasy, That I may follow it and go a-faring To Arcady.

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Request is listed on Textopian as a poem by Virna Sheard, dated 1915 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Virna Sheard
Date: 1915 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Romantic, Inspirational, Symbolism
Length: 279 words
Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is composed in verse with structured stanzas and rhyme, aligning it primarily with poetry.
Lyric Poetry — Its emphasis on personal emotion, musical phrasing, and imagery characterizes it as lyric poetry.
Romantic — The focus on nature, longing, and the interplay between sorrow and hope reflects Romantic sensibilities.
Inspirational — The recurring themes of hope and overcoming sorrow lend the work an inspirational dimension.