“Sweet as the tender fragrance that survives,When martyred flowers breathe out their little lives,Sweet as a song that once consoled our pain,But never will be sung to us again,Is they remembrance. Now the hour of restHath come to thee. Sleep, darling: it is best.”
Analysis of Longfellow's "Remembrance"
In this poignant quote from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem, the speaker compares the remembrance of a loved one to the sweet fragrance of martyred flowers and a comforting song that will never be heard again. The use of sensory imagery creates a vivid and emotional connection to the idea of memory and loss.
The speaker encourages the loved one to rest in peace, suggesting that sleep is a peaceful and comforting state. This final farewell is a reminder of the bittersweet nature of memories and how they can bring both joy and sorrow. Overall, Longfellow's words capture the essence of grief and the enduring power of remembrance.
Finding Comfort in Memories
In this poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the speaker reflects on the sweetness of memories that bring comfort in times of loss. The idea of finding solace in cherished memories can be seen as a timeless theme that resonates with people today. In a world filled with constant change and uncertainty, holding onto memories of loved ones or nostalgic moments can provide a sense of peace and grounding. Just as the speaker wishes for the departed to find rest, we too can find solace in the beauty of memories that endure.
Poetic Tribute to Remembrance
In this excerpt from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem, the speaker reflects on the sweetness of memories that continue to linger even after loss. The comparison to martyred flowers and a song that will never be heard again evokes a sense of melancholy but also a deep appreciation for the beauty of remembrance. The speaker bids farewell to the departed, acknowledging that it is time for them to rest.
Reflection Questions
Reflecting on this poignant poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, we are reminded of the bittersweet nature of memories and the inevitability of loss. As we contemplate the themes of remembrance and rest, consider the following questions:
How do you personally relate to the idea of memories being as sweet as a tender fragrance that lingers after loss?
In what ways do you find solace in the memories of loved ones who have passed away?
How does the concept of rest, as presented in the poem, impact your understanding of grief and healing?
What does this poem teach us about the power of remembrance and the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones while we can?
Take some time to reflect on these questions and contemplate the deeper meanings behind Longfellow's words.
Similar quotes
“Sweet is the breath of morn, her rising sweet,With charm of earliest birds; pleasant the sun,When first on this delightful land he spreadsHis orient beams, on herb, tree, fruit and flower,Glistening with dew; fragrant the fertile earthAfter soft showers, and sweet the coming onof grateful Evening mild; the silent Night,With this her solumn bird and hisfair Moon,And these the gems of Heaven, their starry train;But neither breath of morn nor rising sunOn this delightful land, nor herb, fruit, flowerGlistening with dew, nor fragrance after shower,Nor grateful Evening mild, nor silent Night,With this her solumn bird, nor walk by Moon,Or glittering starlight, without thee is sweet”
“With thee conversing I forget all time,All seasons and their change, all please alike.Sweet is the breath of morn, her rising sweet,With charm of earliest birds; pleasant the sunWhen first on this delightful land he spreadsHis orient beams, on herb, tree, fruit, and flower,Glistering with dew; fragrant the fertile earthAfter soft showers; and sweet the coming onOf grateful evening mild, then silent nightWith this her solemn bird and this fair moon,And these the gems of heav'n, her starry train:But neither breath of morn when she ascendsWith charm of earliest birds, nor rising sunOn this delightful land, nor herb, fruit, flower,Glistring with dew, nor fragrance after showers,Nor grateful evening mild, nor silent nightWith this her solemn bird, nor walk by moon,Or glittering starlight without thee is sweet.”
“The simpleness, the sweetness, and the constancy of the tender mercies of the Lord will do much to fortify and protect us in the troubled times in which we do now and will yet live.”
“Sometimes the best and worst times of your life can coincide. It is a talent of the soul to discover the joy in pain—-thinking of moments you long for, and knowing you’ll never have them again. The beautiful ghosts of our past haunt us, and yet we still can’t decide if the pain they caused us out weighs the tender moments when they touched our soul. This is the irony of love.”
“Because the soul is like a flower that folds its petals when dark comes, and breathes not its fragrance into the phantoms of the night.”