“Life” by Charlotte Bronte

Charlotte Bronte

As well as being a talented novelist, Charlotte Bronte was a skilled poet. Consider “Life,” which conveys the beautiful message that people can go on despite having experienced grief.

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 ?

Bronte is refreshingly optimistic throughout: life is not as dark as many believe. “Life” goes on:

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 !

Although “sometimes there are clouds of gloom,” these are “transient.” And even if there is sadness, it does not mean that things can’t get better: “If the shower will make the roses bloom,/O why lament its fall?” Yes, good things are result from what seems bad, so don’t dwell on the negative.

The poem, too, reminds us to cherish the time we have on this earth: Enjoy the sunny times, because they don’t last forever; sadness often interrupts unexpectedly.

Bronte also weighs hope and courage against the sorrow of death. Death may take our loved ones from us, but the difficult times can help us appreciate the good times. And in any case, no matter how deeply we have been hurt, hope will always return.

The final four lines remind readers to be strong in the face of their struggles, because courage can defeat despair–an ideal to hold tight when dealing with the loss of a loved one. Hope and courage cannot be extinguished, and they can, and will, save you from your darkest hour.