Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"A Contemplation upon Flowers" is a poem by Henry King, an English poet who lived in the 17th century. The poem is a meditation on the beauty and transience of flowers, and it explores themes of mortality and the fleeting nature of human existence.

The poem begins with an evocation of the beauty and variety of flowers, as the speaker describes the "fair variety" and "rich embroidery" of the natural world. However, the poem quickly turns to a consideration of the transience of this beauty, as the flowers are said to be "born to blush, and then to fade on earth." The speaker then reflects on the inevitability of death and the impermanence of all things, as expressed in the line "Time will steal on with unrelenting pace."

Despite these somber reflections, the poem ultimately offers a message of hope and redemption. The speaker suggests that the beauty of the flowers, and the natural world more broadly, can serve as a reminder of the eternal and unchanging nature of God's love. As the poem concludes, the speaker describes the "balm of life," which can bring peace and comfort even in the midst of earthly sorrow and loss.

In terms of structure, the poem is written in rhyming couplets, with each couplet expressing a complete thought or image. This creates a sense of harmony and balance in the poem, and reinforces its central themes of beauty and order in the natural world.

Overall, "A Contemplation upon Flowers" is a beautiful and thought-provoking meditation on the transience of life and the enduring power of beauty and love. It continues to be widely read and admired today for its lyrical language and profound insights into the human condition.

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