Right from the start, the speaker talks to Life itself, insisting it’s not the dark dream that sages claim. She admits that trouble comes — a little morning rain, clouds of gloom, even the loss of those we love and the heavy weight of sorrow. But she reminds us that these are fleeting, and that the very same rain that seems gloomy makes roses bloom, so why grieve it? The sunny hours are meant to be enjoyed gratefully, cheerfully, as they fly by. What sets this poem apart is its energetic hope: sorrow may win a battle, but hope “elastic springs” right back, its golden wings still buoyant and strong enough to carry us. The final stanza is a rallying cry — bear the day of trial manfully, fearlessly, because courage can, gloriously and victoriously, quell despair. The mood is warm, resilient, and deeply assured, like a steady hand on your shoulder when you need it most.
Life — Summary
LIFE, believe, is not a dream So dark as sages say; Oft a little morning rain Foretells a pleasant day. Sometimes there are clouds of gloom, But these are transient all; If the shower will make the roses bloom, O why lament its fall ?
Rapidly, merrily, Life's sunny hours flit by, Gratefully, cheerily, Enjoy them as they fly !
What though Death at times steps in And calls our Best away ? What though sorrow seems to win, O'er hope, a heavy sway ? Yet hope again elastic springs, Unconquered, though she fell; Still buoyant are her golden wings, Still strong to bear us well. Manfully, fearlessly, The day of trial bear, For gloriously, victoriously, Can courage quell despair !