Inscription for a Time-Piece

Name: Inscription for a Time-Piece
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The poem reflects on the transient nature of time and the inevitability of change. It begins with a sense of urgency, emphasizing the fleeting quality of each moment as it passes. The speaker contemplates how every hour carries with it thoughts and actions, each moment imbued with significance. As time progresses, the poem suggests that each departing hour leaves behind a memory or essence, which becomes part of the speaker's internal experience. This notion of an "eternal NOW" implies that while time is constantly moving forward, the memories and experiences we accumulate create a lasting presence within us. The work explores themes of mortality, the passage of time, and the relationship between the present and the past. It invites readers to reflect on how moments, though ephemeral, contribute to the continuity of existence. The speaker grapples with the tension between the relentless march of time and the desire to hold onto meaningful experiences. Ultimately, the poem serves as a meditation on the nature of time, urging an appreciation for the present while acknowledging the ghosts of the past that linger within. It encapsulates a philosophical inquiry into how we perceive time and its impact on our lives, suggesting that while moments may be fleeting, their significance endures in our consciousness.

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1797 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical Literature, Romanticism · 52 words

First lines

Now! it is gone. -- Our brief hours travel post, Each with its thought or deed, its Why or How: -- But know, each parting hour gives up a ghost To dwell within thee-an eternal NOW!

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Inscription for a Time-Piece is listed on Textopian as a poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, dated 1797 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Date: 1797 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Philosophical Literature, Romanticism, Meditative Literature, Lyric Essay
Length: 52 words
Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is a lyrical expression, utilizing meter and rhyme, characteristic of Coleridge's poetic style.
Philosophical Literature — The themes explore the nature of time and existence, prompting reflection on mortality and the eternal.
Romanticism — The work embodies Romantic ideals, focusing on emotion, nature, and the individual's experience.
Meditative Literature — The reflective tone and contemplative nature of the text align with meditative writing.