Friday 1 June 2012

A Psalm of Life-H.W.Longfellow


This poem which is very close to my heart,a poem which inspired me every time I've lost. The poem has a great depth and can be viewed with multi dimensions. Unlike other literary work's which speak's on afterlife or ethical virtues,this poem reminds you the importance of your presence on Earth.It throws light on you as a human being,and says nothing about your soul. A poem which will urge you to work. Beautifully scripted by H.W.Longfellow,the poem will drive you to choose the 'right path'-as we say in our society. Don't worry about the future-the message given by the poet will make you realize the importance of time and as far by my experience will surely bring a remarkable change in your life.


Tell me not, in mournful numbers,
    Life is but an empty dream! — 
  For the soul is dead that slumbers,
    And things are not what they seem.

  Life is real! Life is earnest!
    And the grave is not its goal;
  Dust thou art, to dust returnest,
    Was not spoken of the soul.

  Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,
    Is our destined end or way;
  But to act, that each to-morrow
    Find us farther than to-day.

  Art is long, and Time is fleeting,
    And our hearts, though stout and brave,
  Still, like muffled drums, are beating
    Funeral marches to the grave.

  In the world's broad field of battle,
    In the bivouac of Life,
  Be not like dumb, driven cattle!
    Be a hero in the strife!

  Trust no Future, howe'er pleasant!
    Let the dead Past bury its dead!
  Act, — act in the living Present!
    Heart within, and God o'erhead!

  Lives of great men all remind us
    We can make our lives sublime,
  And, departing, leave behind us
    Footprints on the sands of time;

  Footprints, that perhaps another,
    Sailing o'er life's solemn main,
  A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,
    Seeing, shall take heart again.

  Let us, then, be up and doing,
    With a heart for any fate;
  Still achieving, still pursuing,
    Learn to labor and to wait.