The poem expresses a profound sense of hope and anticipation for a brighter future following a period of sorrow. It begins with an optimistic outlook on the coming day, suggesting that the burdens of today will fade away. The speaker encourages embracing hope, as a new dawn approaches, symbolized by the imagery of larks singing and the promise of a glorious story yet to unfold. The work contrasts the heaviness of current emotions with the lightness of what is to come. The use of vivid imagery, such as "winds wing us" and "gleaming," evokes a sense of movement towards a more joyful existence. The speaker urges the reader to shed symbols of mourning and embrace a renewed spirit, indicated by the call to "don the red shoon" and "retune viol-strings broken." As the poem progresses, it emphasizes the inevitability of change and the cyclical nature of life, where sorrow is temporary and hope is a constant companion. The refrain of "soon" reinforces the idea that relief and joy are just around the corner, encouraging a forward-looking perspective. Overall, the work encapsulates themes of resilience, the transient nature of grief, and the enduring power of hope, inviting readers to look beyond their current struggles towards a future filled with possibility and light.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1917 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Optimism