Author: Arthur Hugh Clough

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    Put forth thy leaf, thou lofty plane,
    East wind and frost are safely gone;
    With zephyr mild and balmy rain
    The summer comes serenely on;
    Earth, air, and sun and skies combine
    To promise all thats kind and fair:
    But thou, O human heart of mine,
    Be still, contain thyself, and bear.

    December days were brief and chill,
    The winds of March were wild and drear,
    And, nearing and receding still,
    Spring never would, we thought, be here.
    The leaves that burst, the suns that shine,
    Had, not the less, their certain date:
    And thou, O human heart of mine,
    Be still, refrain thyself, and wait.

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Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This untitled poem is a compelling exploration of nature's seasons as metaphors for the human condition, specifically the concept of patience and endurance through hardship. The poem's structure is consistent, with each stanza beginning with a description of natural progressions - the budding of a leaf, the shift in winds and seasons - and ending with a plea to the 'human heart' to remain steadfast and patient. This repetition creates a rhythm that mirrors the cyclical nature of the seasons themselves.

The poem's main theme is the contrast between the predictability of nature and the unpredictability of human emotion. The poet uses vivid imagery and personification to bring the natural world to life - the 'lofty plane' putting forth its leaf, the 'December days' that are 'brief and chill', the 'winds of March' that are 'wild and drear'. These descriptions serve to highlight the reliability and constancy of nature's cycles. But the human heart, unlike the seasons, cannot be so easily predicted or controlled. The poet implores their own heart to show the same patience and resilience as nature, to 'be still, contain thyself, and bear'. This repeated refrain serves as a poignant reminder of the human capacity for endurance in the face of trials and tribulations.

In terms of tone, the poem adopts a contemplative and introspective mood. The poet's use of direct address to their own heart adds an intimate, personal dimension to the poem, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences and emotions. Overall, this poem is an eloquent meditation on the human capacity for patience, resilience, and hope, using the ever-changing yet predictable cycles of nature as a powerful metaphor.