Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"A Ballad Upon a Wedding" is a poem by John Suckling, written in the 17th century. The poem is a celebration of love and marriage, and it explores the joy and happiness that comes from joining together in matrimony.

The poem is structured as a ballad, with a series of verses that follow a set rhyme scheme and meter. The poem tells the story of a wedding, and it explores themes of love, joy, and celebration.

One of the central themes of the poem is the idea of love and its power to unite people. Suckling reflects on the way that love can bring people together and create a sense of unity and happiness. He writes, "And thus unto the married pair, / Came fortune, which is wont to come / To all that keep their wedding-day, / And dance, and feast, and visit pay."

Another important theme of the poem is the idea of celebration and the joy that comes from gathering together with loved ones. Suckling reflects on the way that weddings are a time of joy and happiness, and he celebrates the way that they bring people together. He writes, "And everything did seem to vie / Which should express most joy; / The heralds and the trumpets' sound, / The music in the roof did bound."

Throughout the poem, Suckling uses poetic language and vivid imagery to create a sense of celebration and joy. He describes the scene of the wedding, the way that the guests are dressed, and the way that they are celebrating. He reflects on the way that weddings are a time of happiness and hope, and he celebrates the way that they bring people together.

In conclusion, "A Ballad Upon a Wedding" is a celebratory and joyful poem that explores themes of love, unity, and celebration. Suckling's use of poetic language and vivid imagery creates a sense of emotional depth and resonance, and his celebration of love and marriage speaks to the enduring power of human experience. 

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