Grief, Thou Hast Lost An Ever-Ready Friend

By William Wordsworth

Sonnet
Grief, thou hast lost an ever-ready friend Now that the cottage spinning-wheel is mute; And Care—a comforter that best could suit Her froward mood, and softest influence lend In hours of deep affliction—where no end Was seen, to such dejection did she yield, From her poor hut, beside yon lonely field, Unheeded as a flower among the weeds, From door to door in piteous plight did wend Her lamentable way.—But He who kneads The human heart, still holding high his state, And governs its desires, can make sweet needs Of those afflictions which do emanate From his own will, and wait upon his pleasure.
Written: 1827-01-01

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Poem Details

Date Written: 1827-01-01
Date Published: 1827-01-01
Language: English
Keywords: Grief, Reflection, Comfort, Affliction
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher: W.Wordsworth
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
A sonnet that reflects on grief and the loss of comfort that once came from simple, everyday tasks like spinning at the wheel. The poem explores the relationship between grief and divine will, suggesting that even in affliction, there can be a deeper purpose and comfort.

Understanding the Sonnet

The sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry, known for its strict structure and profound themes. With a history spanning centuries, sonnets have been used to explore love, beauty, politics, and mortality, all within the confines of just 14 lines.

Sonnets are characterized by their precise form and rhyme scheme, which vary depending on the type of sonnet. Here’s a closer look:

  • Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Composed of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This form often builds a complex argument or narrative, culminating in a powerful closing statement.
  • Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), with a typical rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns in the sestet such as CDECDE or CDCDCD. The octave usually presents a problem, with the sestet providing a resolution.
  • Meter: Sonnets are traditionally written in iambic pentameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances its emotional impact.

The sonnet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a small but potent package, making it a favorite form for poets seeking to explore profound themes with precision and elegance.