Verses To A Child

By Anne Bronte

Reflective Poem
1     O raise those eyes to me again     And smile again so joyously,     And fear not, love; it was not pain     Nor grief that drew these tears from me;     Beloved child, thou canst not tell     The thoughts that in my bosom dwell     Whene'er I look on thee! 2     Thou knowest not that a glance of thine     Can bring back long departed years     And that thy blue eyes' magic shine     Can overflow my own with tears,     And that each feature soft and fair     And every curl of golden hair,     Some sweet remembrance bears. 3     Just then thou didst recall to me     A distant long forgotten scene,     One smile, and one sweet word from thee     Dispelled the years that rolled between;     I was a little child again,     And every after joy and pain     Seemed never to have been. 4     Tall forest trees waved over me,     To hide me from the heat of day,     And by my side a child like thee     Among the summer flowerets lay.     He was thy sire, thou merry child.     Like thee he spoke, like thee he smiled,     Like thee he used to play. 5     O those were calm and happy days,     We loved each other fondly then;     But human love too soon decays,     And ours can never bloom again.     I never thought to see the day     When Florian's friendship would decay     Like those of colder men. 6     Now, Flora, thou hast but begun     To sail on life's deceitful sea,     O do not err as I have done,     For I have trusted foolishly;     The faith of every friend I loved     I never doubted till I proved     Their heart's inconstancy. 7     'Tis mournful to look back upon     Those long departed joys and cares,     But I will weep since thou alone     Art witness to my streaming tears.     This lingering love will not depart,     I cannot banish from my heart     The friend of childish years. 8     But though thy father loves me not,     Yet I shall still be loved by thee,     And though I am by him forgot,     Say wilt thou not remember me!     I will not cause thy heart to ache;     For thy regretted father's sake     I'll love and cherish thee.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This deeply emotive poem is a powerful exploration of memory, loss, and enduring affection. It is a narrative monologue, where the speaker addresses a young girl named Flora, who serves as a poignant reminder of the speaker's past. The speaker's relationship with Flora's father, Florian, is reminisced with a sense of melancholy and regret, indicating a lost friendship or potential romantic connection.

The poem operates on the central theme of nostalgia, with the speaker's emotions fluctuating between pain and joy as they navigate their memories. The tone is bittersweet, interweaving affectionate reminiscence with the despair of loss and betrayal. The structure of the poem, divided into eight stanzas, helps to delineate the speaker's gradual unfolding of their past, their feelings towards Florian, and their hopes for Flora's future.

Prominent literary devices used include simile and metaphor, especially when comparing Flora to her father, enhancing the sense of nostalgia. The use of direct address to Flora gives a sense of immediacy and intimacy to the poem. Despite the underlying sadness, the speaker’s enduring love for Flora and their desire to protect her from the deceitfulness of life creates a sense of hopefulness, indicating the speaker’s ability to learn from their past and focus on nurturing the present and future relationships.

Understanding Reflective Poetry

Reflective poetry is a form of verse that explores the thoughts, emotions, and meditations of the poet. It often delves into personal experiences, memories, and philosophical musings, offering a window into the poet's inner world.

Reflective poems are characterized by their introspective nature, allowing readers to connect with the poet’s contemplations on life, existence, and the human condition. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Personal Reflection: These poems often center on the poet's own thoughts and feelings, offering a deep dive into their emotional or intellectual state.
  • Philosophical Musings: Reflective poetry frequently addresses larger existential questions, providing a space for the poet to ponder life’s meaning, purpose, and the nature of reality.
  • Imagery and Symbolism: Poets use vivid imagery and rich symbolism to convey their reflections, often drawing on nature, art, or personal experiences to express complex ideas.
  • Quiet and Contemplative Tone: Reflective poems typically have a calm, meditative tone, inviting readers to pause and reflect alongside the poet.

Reflective poetry provides a unique avenue for exploring the poet’s inner world, inviting readers to engage in their own reflections as they journey through the verses.