Life (Sonnets) by Henry Van Dyke
This collection of sonnets explores the human experience through various themes and emotions, including love, loss, nature, and mortality. The poems often express a sense of longing and introspection, with the speaker reflecting on life's complexities and the fleeting nature of existence.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1907 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational · 179 words
First lines
Let me but live my life from year to year, / With forward face and unreluctant soul; / Not hurrying to, nor turning from, the goal; / Not mourning for the things that disappear / In the dim past, nor holding back in fear / From what the future veils; but with a whole / And happy heart, that pays its toll / To Youth and Age, and travels on with cheer.
So let the way wind up the hill or down, / O'er rough or smooth, the journey will be joy: / Still seeking what I sought when but a boy, / New friendship, high adventure, and a crown, / My heart will keep the courage of the quest, / And hope the road's last turn will be the best.
May, 1902.
What this Textopian page supports
Life (Sonnets) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1907 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Henry Van Dyke
- Date: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational, Romantic
- Length: 179 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Life (Sonnets) by Henry Van Dyke
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured as a sonnet, a traditional poetic form, and employs rhyme and meter.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential reflections on life, time, and the human condition.
- Inspirational — The poem encourages a positive outlook on life's journey, emphasizing courage and hope.
- Romantic — The sonnet form and the idealistic pursuit of life's journey align with Romantic literary traditions.
Tags
Poetry · Philosophy · Existentialism · Spirituality · Meditation · Self-Discovery · Life's Meaning · Purpose · Reflections · Insights · Wisdom · Personal Growth