Seed-Time and Harvest by John Greenleaf Whittier
The poem explores the idea that every action has consequences, both positive and negative. It describes how a person's choices can lead to either prosperity or hardship, depending on whether they are guided by wisdom or foolishness. The speaker emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with nature and being mindful of one's actions, as these will ultimately determine the outcome of one's life.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1854 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Nature · 250 words
First lines
As o'er his furrowed fields which lie Beneath a coldly dropping sky, Yet chill with winter's melted snow, The husbandman goes forth to sow,
Thus, Freedom, on the bitter blast The ventures of thy seed we cast, And trust to warmer sun and rain To swell the germs and fill the grain.
Who calls thy glorious service hard? Who deems it not its own reward? Who, for its trials, counts it less. A cause of praise and thankfulness?
It may not be our lot to wield The sickle in the ripened field; Nor ours to hear, on summer eves, The reaper's song among the sheaves.
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and meter characteristic of poetry.
- Religious — Themes of duty, divine purpose, and spiritual reward are central to the text.
- Nature — Imagery related to agriculture and the natural world is prevalent throughout the work.
- Philosophical — The text explores deeper meanings of life, labor, and existence.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature Poetry · Agriculture · Seasonal Themes · Rural Life · Farmers' Lives · Harvest Imagery · Seed Planting Metaphor · Growth and Development · Cycles of Life
What this Textopian page supports
Seed-Time and Harvest is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1854 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1854 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious, Nature, Philosophical, Inspirational
- Length: 250 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Seed-Time and Harvest by John Greenleaf Whittier
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