Poetry Discussion & Analysis #2

"Beyond"*

Across the room
Across the street
Across the water where the two big blues meet
Across the widest space 'til you reach infinity
My love will still be

Beyond the sorrow
Beyond regret
Beyond the tremors of a quake you can't forget
Beyond the hardest times man you ain't seen nothing yet
My love will still be
My love will still be

In your present and future
Over and under
Inside and outside
Close and asunder
From the moment you awake
Til' the moonlight adorns your face
When your memory begins to fade
Never will my love

Above the sunset
Above the trees
Above the highs and lows that make up reality
Above the resting place of the body that I leave
My love will still be

---

Form is achieved by using one word to tie each verse. Each verse contains an inner progression. By repeating “My love will still be” and using an intermittent and irregular rhyme pattern, form, continuity and consistency are enhanced. These elements also create pacing, i.e., rhythm.

Lines 3 and 4 of the first, second and fourth verses along with lines 4-7 of the third verse, i.e., the bridge, represent the fusion of emotion, language and creativity. The description takes familiar things and elevates them with individual style which balances the straightforwardness in the remaining sentences.

This is a partial analysis but illustrates how poetry and prose form the basis of many songs. It seems the title should be “My love will still be,” yet, “Beyond” was chosen. This caused me to consider the overall message: the lasting truth that true love transcends all things great and small.

*Amel Larrieux (Bravebird, 2004, Bliss Life)

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