Welcome to Poem of the Day – A Psalm of Life by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
“A Psalm of Life” is a well-known poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, first published in 1838. Written in a time of personal grief after the loss of his first wife, the poem serves as a motivational message about living life with purpose, optimism, and action. Through its reflective and inspirational tone, Longfellow encourages readers to make the most of their lives and leave a meaningful legacy.
Content
Tell me not, in mournful numbers,
Life is but an empty dream!
For the soul is dead that slumbers,
And things are not what they seem.
Life is real! Life is earnest!
And the grave is not its goal;
Dust thou art, to dust returnest,
Was not spoken of the soul.
Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,
Is our destined end or way;
But to act, that each to-morrow
Find us farther than to-day.
Art is long, and Time is fleeting,
And our hearts, though stout and brave,
Still, like muffled drums, are beating
Funeral marches to the grave.
In the world’s broad field of battle,
In the bivouac of Life,
Be not like dumb, driven cattle!
Be a hero in the strife!
Trust no Future, howe’er pleasant!
Let the dead Past bury its dead!
Act,— act in the living Present!
Heart within, and God o’erhead!
Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time;
Footprints, that perhaps another,
Sailing o’er life’s solemn main,
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,
Seeing, shall take heart again.
Let us, then, be up and doing,
With a heart for any fate;
Still achieving, still pursuing,
Learn to labor and to wait.
A Psalm of Life Poem Explanation
The poem begins with the speaker rejecting a pessimistic view of life, one that sees life as fleeting and ultimately meaningless. Instead, the speaker insists that life is real and has value. Longfellow emphasizes the importance of living fully, with purpose and energy. He urges readers not to dwell on the inevitability of death or the difficulties of life but to focus on achieving greatness through action and perseverance.
The speaker reminds the reader that the soul does not die and that life is more than a journey toward the grave. He calls for active living—“to act, that each tomorrow finds us farther than today”—and insists that even in the face of adversity, one should strive to live meaningfully. The poem closes by encouraging individuals to be brave and leave behind an inspiring example for others to follow.
Themes and Analysis
Life’s Purpose: A central theme in “A Psalm of Life” is the idea that life should be lived with purpose. The speaker rejects the idea that life is merely an empty preparation for death and instead calls for active engagement in life’s struggles and joys. Longfellow believes that individuals should focus on achieving progress and contributing positively to the world.
Action and Perseverance: Another key theme is the importance of action and perseverance. The poem promotes the idea that life is not to be spent passively waiting for death but actively striving to achieve greatness. Longfellow urges readers to work hard, endure hardship, and leave a lasting impact through their actions.
Optimism in the Face of Adversity: The poem takes a positive view of life, even in the face of challenges. It suggests that difficulties and setbacks are a part of life but that they can be overcome through determination and courage. The speaker’s message is one of hope, encouraging readers to remain optimistic and continue moving forward despite hardships.
The Impermanence of Life: While the poem rejects a nihilistic view of life, it acknowledges the inevitability of death. The speaker insists that death should not dominate one’s thoughts, but rather serve as a reminder to make the most of the present. Life is transient, but this very fact makes it more important to live fully and purposefully.
Legacy and Example: The final stanzas emphasize the idea of leaving a legacy. The speaker calls on individuals to live in such a way that they inspire others. He believes that one’s actions can provide hope and guidance to future generations, even after death.
Structure and Form
Form: “A Psalm of Life” is written in the form of a lyric poem, structured in nine quatrains (four-line stanzas). This traditional form allows Longfellow to convey his message in a rhythmic and organized way, reflecting the balance between emotion and thought in the poem.
Rhyme Scheme: The poem follows a consistent rhyme scheme of ABAB in each quatrain. This regular rhyme pattern gives the poem a musical quality, enhancing its motivational tone and making it easier for readers to follow and remember the key messages.
Meter: The poem is primarily written in trochaic tetrameter, a metrical pattern consisting of four feet per line, with each foot having a stressed syllable followed by an unstressed syllable. This metrical choice lends the poem a sense of urgency and movement, aligning with its theme of action and perseverance.
Tone: The tone of the poem is both reflective and inspirational. The speaker conveys a sense of hope and optimism, countering any inclination toward despair or passivity. Longfellow’s use of language is direct and straightforward, reinforcing the call to action.
Significance
“A Psalm of Life” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is an uplifting poem that urges readers to live with purpose, energy, and optimism. Through its clear message, structured form, and rhythmic style, the poem inspires individuals to embrace life, strive for progress, and leave behind a meaningful legacy. Longfellow’s reflection on the fleeting nature of life is balanced by his strong belief in the power of human action and perseverance, making the poem a timeless call to live life with passion and purpose.