On now, Although the Year be Done

Name: On now, Although the Year be Done
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

The poem reflects on themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. It begins with a sense of finality, acknowledging the end of the year and the end of a romantic relationship. The speaker addresses a beloved figure, expressing a desire to maintain a connection despite the emotional distance created by the end of love. The imagery evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing, as the speaker reminisces about the guidance and support once provided by the loved one. The repeated calls for the hand that once led suggest a yearning for comfort and companionship, even in the face of loss. As the poem progresses, it delves deeper into the emotional turmoil experienced by the speaker. There is a juxtaposition between the finality of the year and the enduring memories of love. The speaker grapples with the pain of separation while simultaneously cherishing the moments shared. The tone shifts between melancholy and hope, illustrating the complexity of human emotions. The speaker acknowledges the inevitability of change and the passage of time, yet clings to the remnants of affection. The work captures the essence of human experience—how love can persist even when it is no longer present in a tangible form. Ultimately, the poem serves as a meditation on the enduring impact of love, the struggle to let go, and the desire to hold onto the past. It encapsulates the bittersweet nature of memories, where joy and sorrow coexist, leaving the reader with a profound sense of reflection on the nature of relationships and the passage of time.

By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1894 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism · 57 words

First lines

ON now, although the year be done, Now, although the love be dead, Dead and gone; Hear me, O loved and cherished one, Give me still the hand that led, Led me on.

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On now, Although the Year be Done is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson, dated 1894 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Date: 1894 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism, Elegy, Reflective
Length: 57 words
Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on themes of love and loss.
Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Romanticism — The themes of love and nostalgia align with Romantic ideals, emphasizing emotional depth.
Elegy — The poem reflects on loss and mourning, fitting the characteristics of an elegy.