"A Psalm of Life" By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

                            

"A Psalm of Life" 

By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

What The Heart Of The Young Man Said To The Psalmist

Tell me not, in mournful numbers,

   Life is but an empty dream!

For the soul is dead that slumbers,

   And things are not what they seem.

Life is real! Life is earnest!

   And the grave is not its goal;

Dust thou art, to dust returnest,

   Was not spoken of the soul.

Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,

   Is our destined end or way;

But to act, that each to-morrow

   Find us farther than to-day.

Art is long, and Time is fleeting,

   And our hearts, though stout and brave,

Still, like muffled drums, are beating

   Funeral marches to the grave.

In the world’s broad field of battle,

   In the bivouac of Life,

Be not like dumb, driven cattle!

   Be a hero in the strife!

Trust no Future, howe’er pleasant!

   Let the dead Past bury its dead!

Act,— act in the living Present!

   Heart within, and God o’erhead!

Lives of great men all remind us

   We can make our lives sublime,

And, departing, leave behind us

   Footprints on the sands of time;

Footprints, that perhaps another,

   Sailing o’er life’s solemn main,

A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,

   Seeing, shall take heart again.

Let us, then, be up and doing,

   With a heart for any fate;

Still achieving, still pursuing,

   Learn to labor and to wait.

Summary of the poem,

"A Psalm of Life" is a motivational poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow that encourages people to live life actively and to the fullest, rather than passively succumbing to sorrow or despair. The poem is written in response to the idea that life is meaningless or an "empty dream." It emphasizes the importance of action, courage, and perseverance, and rejects the notion that life is solely a preparation for death. Instead, Longfellow advocates for living with purpose, learning from the past, and leaving a positive impact on the world.

The poem begins with the speaker challenging a pessimistic view of life, which sees it as meaningless or "an empty dream." The speaker argues that this view is false and that life is real, valuable, and purposeful. He rejects the notion that the soul is dormant or dead, insisting instead that it should be alive and active.

The speaker urges people not to dwell on the past or worry excessively about the future, but rather to live fully in the "living Present." He uses the metaphor of life as a battlefield, encouraging readers to "be a hero in the strife," and not to passively accept circumstances or to be like "dumb, driven cattle." Life is compared to a journey, and the speaker calls for courage, determination, and persistence in moving forward, regardless of obstacles.

Longfellow emphasizes that life is short and time is fleeting ("Art is long, and Time is fleeting"), urging people to take advantage of the time they have. He warns against idle sorrow or hopelessness and promotes a mindset of resilience and proactive engagement. Every moment should be used wisely, with a focus on making a meaningful impact.

The poem also reflects on the importance of leaving a legacy. Longfellow uses the metaphor of "footprints on the sands of time" to illustrate how our actions can serve as a guide or inspiration for future generations. These footprints represent the positive influence that each person can leave behind, motivating others to pursue their own paths with courage and purpose.

In the final stanzas, the speaker returns to the idea of persistence and hope. He emphasizes that, even though life is filled with challenges and uncertainties, one should continue to strive, "learn to labor and to wait." The closing lines suggest that while the future is unknown, faith and perseverance will help one overcome difficulties and achieve a meaningful existence.

Themes:

• The Value of Life: The central theme is the affirmation of life's worth. Longfellow challenges the idea that life is "an empty dream" and insists that life has meaning and purpose beyond mere existence.

• Action and Purpose: The poem emphasizes the need for active engagement in life. Phrases like "Act,— act in the living Present!" urge readers to take meaningful action rather than idling or waiting for a better moment.

• Overcoming Despair: Longfellow rejects passivity and hopelessness. He advocates for perseverance and courage in the face of life's challenges, stressing that one should not fear death but live boldly.

• Legacy and Influence: The idea of leaving a legacy is another important theme. The poem suggests that one’s actions should serve as a guide or inspiration to others, as seen in the lines: "Lives of great men all remind us / We can make our lives sublime."