Rhymes Of A Life-Time

By Oliver Wendell Holmes

Sonnet
    From the first gleam of morning to the gray     Of peaceful evening, lo, a life unrolled!     In woven pictures all its changes told,     Its lights, its shadows, every flitting ray,     Till the long curtain, falling, dims the day,     Steals from the dial's disk the sunlight's gold,     And all the graven hours grow dark and cold     Where late the glowing blaze of noontide lay.     Ah! the warm blood runs wild in youthful veins, -     Let me no longer play with painted fire;     New songs for new-born days! I would not tire     The listening ears that wait for fresher strains     In phrase new-moulded, new-forged rhythmic chains,     With plaintive measures from a worn-out lyre.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem beautifully captures the theme of life's ephemeral and cyclical nature, from morning to night, from youth to old age. The poet uses vivid imagery and metaphors throughout the poem, likening the progression of life to the moving hands of a sundial and the shifting light of day. The tone of the poem is nostalgic and slightly melancholic, reflecting on the loss of time even as it recognizes the unfading beauty inherent in each stage of life.

The poem's structure, an English sonnet, lends itself to a clear progression of thought. The first eight lines (the octave) present the main idea — life's transience — through the metaphor of a day's passage. The final six lines (the sestet) reflect a shift in perspective, from observation to personal reflection. Here, the poet acknowledges the need for evolution, for "new songs for new-born days," a metaphor for the rejuvenation and continuity of life.

Notably, the poet uses the literary device of personification, attributing human characteristics to the sundial and time itself. This serves to deepen the emotional impact of the poem, making the abstract concept of time more relatable and tangible for the reader. Through its thoughtful reflection on time and change, the poem encourages readers to appreciate each moment, each stage of life, and to embrace the inevitability of change.

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.