Delia
An Ode
By Robert Burns
Fair the face of orient day,
Fair the tints of op’ning rose,
But fairer still my Delia dawns,
More lovely far her beauty blows.
Sweet the lark’s wild-warbled lay,
Sweet the tinkling rill to hear;
But, Delia, more delightful still
Steal thine accents on mine ear.
The flow’r-enamoured busy bee
The rosy banquet loves to sip;
Sweet the streamlet’s limpid lapse
To the sun-brown’d Arab’s lip; —
But, Delia, on thy balmy lips
Let me, no vagrant insect, rove!
O, let me steal one liquid kiss!
For, oh! my soul is parch’d with love.
Poem Analysis:
"Delia" by Robert Burns is a romantic poem that celebrates the beauty and allure of the beloved Delia. Through vivid imagery and lyrical language, Burns paints a portrait of Delia's charms and expresses his intense desire for her affection. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, poetic techniques, and the emotional depth of Burns's ode to Delia.
- The Beauty of Delia: The poem opens with the poet admiring the beauty of Delia at the break of dawn. He compares her to the delicate hues of an "orient day" and the soft colors of an "op'ning rose." This vivid imagery sets the tone for the poem and establishes Delia's beauty as the central focus.
- The Sweetness of Delia's Voice: Burns goes on to describe the enchanting qualities of Delia's voice. He likens the sweet sound of her voice to the melodious song of a lark and the soothing murmur of a gentle stream. The poet conveys the idea that Delia's voice is even more delightful and captivating than these natural wonders.
- Metaphorical Imagery: Throughout the poem, Burns employs metaphorical imagery to express his longing for Delia's affection. He compares himself to a "flow'r-enamoured busy bee" seeking nectar from Delia's lips. This metaphor suggests that Delia's kiss is as sweet and irresistible as the nectar collected by a bee.
- Desire and Passion: The poem's emotional depth lies in the poet's passionate desire for Delia. He expresses a burning thirst for her love and affection, describing his soul as "parch'd with love." This intense longing underscores the theme of romantic desire and the power of love to consume the heart.
- Sensory Imagery: Burns engages the reader's senses by evoking imagery related to sight, sound, and taste. The reader can visualize Delia's beauty, hear the sweetness of her voice, and imagine the sensation of stealing a kiss from her lips. This sensory imagery enhances the poem's emotional impact.
- Delia as an Idealized Figure: Delia represents an idealized and unattainable object of desire in the poem. While her beauty and voice are celebrated, she remains distant and untouchable, adding an element of longing and unfulfilled desire to the poem.
"Delia" by Robert Burns is a beautiful ode to love and beauty that captures the intensity of romantic desire. Through poetic techniques such as metaphor, vivid imagery, and sensory language, Burns conveys the depth of his passion for Delia. The poem serves as a timeless celebration of the allure and enchantment of love, and the yearning it can inspire in the human heart.
