The Wind of Sorrow (Sonnets) by Henry Van Dyke
This collection of sonnets explores the complexities of love and loss through a series of introspective poems that grapple with the pain of sorrow and the passage of time. The sonnets are characterized by their use of traditional forms, but also exhibit a sense of modernity in their exploration of themes such as nostalgia, longing, and the fragility of human relationships. Throughout the collection, the speaker navigates the tension between the desire to hold onto memories and the inevitability of moving forward. The poems often express a sense of melancholy and regret, but also contain moments of beauty and transcendence. The language is rich and evocative, with a focus on imagery and metaphor that creates a sense of depth and complexity. The overall effect is one of introspective contemplation, inviting the reader to reflect on their own experiences of love and loss.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1903 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Tragedy · 174 words
Editions
First lines
The fire of love was burning, yet so low / That in the dark we scarce could see its rays, / And in the light of perfect-placid days / Nothing but smouldering embers dull and slow. / Vainly, for love's delight, we sought to throw / New pleasures on the pyre to make it blaze: / In life's calm air and tranquil-prosperous ways / We missed the radiant heat of long ago.
Then in the night, a night of sad alarms, / Bitter with pain and black with fog of fears, / That drove us trembling to each other's arms -- / Across the gulf of darkness and salt tears, / Into life's calm the wind of sorrow came, / And fanned the fire of love to clearest flame.
March, 1903.
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The Wind of Sorrow (Sonnets) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1903 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Henry Van Dyke
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Tragedy, Philosophical
- Length: 174 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured as a sonnet, a traditional poetic form, and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around love, its challenges, and its rekindling.
- Tragedy — The poem explores themes of sorrow and fear, which are pivotal in reigniting love.
- Philosophical — The work reflects on the nature of love and the impact of adversity on human emotions.
Tags
Poetry · Sonnet · Literary · Classical · Romantic · Emotional · Melancholic · Reflective · Philosophical · Existential · Spiritual · Meditative