Life
Charlotte Brontë
Life, believe, is not a dream
So dark as sages say;
Oft a little morning rain
Foretells a pleasant day.
Sometimes there are clouds of gloom,
But these are transient all;
If the shower will make the roses bloom,
O why lament its fall?
Rapidly, merrily,
Life’s sunny hours flit by,
Gratefully, cheerily
Enjoy them as they fly!
What though Death at times steps in,
And calls our Best away?
What though sorrow seems to win,
O’er hope, a heavy sway?
Yet Hope again elastic springs,
Unconquered, though she fell;
Still buoyant are her golden wings,
Still strong to bear us well.
Manfully, fearlessly,
The day of trial bear,
For gloriously, victoriously,
Can courage quell despair!
This poem's optimistic view of life distinguishes it from many Romantic works. While Romantic poems often emphasized the dark and morbid, this poem celebrates the beauty and joy of life.
It compares life to a day with both sunshine and rain, suggesting that sadness is an inevitable part of life and that it can even be beneficial, like rain that helps roses bloom.
The poem's simple language and regular meter create a sense of flow and movement, reflecting the passage of time and the inevitability of death.
Despite the inevitability of death, the poem urges readers to be brave and hopeful, suggesting that the human spirit is resilient and capable of overcoming despair.
Ultimately, the poem's message is one of hope and positivity, encouraging readers to embrace the joys of life and face the challenges with courage and determination.
인생
인생은 사람들 말처럼
어둡기만 한 것은 아니랍니다.
아침에 내리는 비는
화창한 오후를 선물하지요.
때론 어두운 구름이 끼지만
모두 금방 지나간답니다.
소나기가 와서 장미가 핀다면
소나기 내리는 것을 슬퍼할 이유가 없지요.
인생의 즐거운 순간은 그리 길지 않습니다.
고마운 맘으로 그 시간을 즐기세요.
가끔 죽음이 끼어들어
제일 좋은 이를 데려간다 한들 어때요.
슬픔이 승리하여
희망을 짓누르는 것 같으면 또 어때요.
희망은 금빛의 날개를 가지고 있답니다.
그 금빛의 날개는 어느 순간에도
우리가 잘 버티도록 도와주지요.
씩씩하게, 그리고 두려움 없이
힘든 날들을 견뎌내세요.
영광스럽게, 그리고 늠름하게.
용기는 절망을 이겨낼 수 있답니다.