Poetry & Analysis
Selected Poems
Sad PoemsLife
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!
Overview Short Summary
Brontë’s poem is useful for the letting go and healing side of regret. It accepts sorrow but does not let gloom define all of life.
Core Ideas Main Themes
- Healing: The poem says gloom is transient and hope rises again.
- Perspective: Rain may help roses bloom.
- Courage: The final lines ask readers to bear trials bravely.
Emotional Effect Tone and Mood
The tone is reassuring and brave. The mood is hopeful because the poem sees sorrow as part of a larger life.
Literary Technique Imagery and Symbols
Rain, clouds, roses, sunny hours, golden wings, and courage create a movement from gloom to renewal.
Poetic Form Rhyme Scheme and Structure
The poem’s lively middle lines make hope feel active.
Reader Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best poems about regret?
Some of the best poems about regret are “Regret” by Olivia Ward Bush-Banks, “A Lost Opportunity,” “The Opportunity,” “Maud Muller,” “The Lost Jewel,” “Tears, Idle Tears,” “Remembrance,” and “When I Have Fears That I May Cease to Be.” These poems cover mistakes, lost love, missed chances, time, and life regrets.
What is a short poem about regret?
“Regret” by Olivia Ward Bush-Banks and “The Lost Jewel” by Emily Dickinson are strong short poems about regret. Both show how a small action or careless delay can become painful after the chance to change it is gone.
Which poems are about mistakes and regret?
Good poems about mistakes and regret include “Regret,” “The Lost Jewel,” “A Lost Opportunity,” “The Opportunity,” and “Opportunity.” These poems show how thoughtless words, hesitation, and rejected chances can become lasting remorse.
Which poems are about lost love and regret?
Good poems about lost love and regret include “Maud Muller,” “Remembrance,” “The Last Ride Together,” “Time Does Not Bring Relief,” and “When I Have Fears That I May Cease to Be.” These poems explore grief, memory, what could have been, and love that cannot return.
What keywords does this collection cover?
This collection naturally covers poems about regret, regret poems, short poems about regret, poems about regrets in life, poems about life regrets, poems about mistakes and regret, poems about past mistakes, poems about guilt and regret, poems about remorse, poems about regret and remorse, poems about lost love and regret, poems about choices and regret, poems about letting go of regret, and poems about regret and healing.
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