Yet A Little Sleep

By Robert Fuller Murray

Sonnet
    Beside the drowsy streams that creep          Within this island of repose,          Oh, let us rest from cares and woes,     Oh, let us fold our hands to sleep!     Is it ignoble, then, to keep          Awhile from where the rough wind blows,          And all is strife, and no man knows     What end awaits him on the deep?     The voyager may rest awhile,          When rest invites, and yet may be                 Neither a sluggard nor a craven.     With strength renewed he quits the isle,          And putting out again to sea,                 Makes sail for his desired haven.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem explores the tension between the allure of rest and the imperative of pursuing one's goals. The speaker, adopting a contemplative and persuasive tone, invites the reader to find solace in tranquility. The poem's structure, with its consistent iambic pentameter and regular rhyme scheme, creates a sense of calm and order, mirroring the island of repose described. This feeling is further reinforced by the gentle, flowing imagery of drowsy streams and folding hands to sleep. However, a volta occurs in the third stanza, introducing the concept of the voyager who, though capable of respite, must ultimately return to the rough wind, strife, and uncertainty of the open sea. The contrast between the peaceful island and the turbulent journey highlights the poem's central theme: that rest, while necessary, should not be mistaken for stagnation. The poem suggests that true fulfillment lies in finding a balance between seeking solace and embracing the challenges that lie ahead. The poem's final image of the voyager making sail for his desired haven underscores the importance of ambition and perseverance in navigating life's complexities.

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.