Lyric poetry goes back at least as far as Classical Greece, where it was often composed to be recited to the sounds of the lyre, flute, or other instrument. These song-like origins are central to an understanding of this type of poetry. The heroic narratives of epic poetry, such as Beowulf or Homer's Odyssey and Illiad , challenge the mind and stir the blood. They concern great ideas and the histories of peoples and countries. Lyric works are more subjective and personal in origin, although they, too, may touch on universal themes.
Lyric poetry is honest and direct, an emotional outpouring from the poet's heart.
A lyric poem is not intended to impress you with its erudition or cleverness, so you won't find an elaborate construction of intellectual or poetic conceits. Rather, the poem appears spontaneous, very human, even conversational. Many lyric poems are quite simple, yet very moving. Other times, the poet is more reflective, trying to make sense of an experience and applying it to a broader field of life. Almost always, you will feel the pulse of a deep river of feeling.