7. Song

by Percy Bysshe Shelley — a poem card from Justes Mots

A redemptive turn from despair to renewed faith, using the metaphor of sunlight on mountains to illustrate how hope transfigures our perception of the future. Though acknowledging sorrow and acknowledging hope's deceptive nature, the speaker ultimately affirms trust in divine love and the promise of reunion beyond death.

And said I that all hope was fled,
That sorrow and despair were mine,
That each enthusiast wish was dead,
Had sank beneath pale Misery’s shrine.—

Seest thou the sunbeam’s yellow glow, _5
That robes with liquid streams of light;
Yon distant Mountain’s craggy brow.…

Themes: birthday · friendship · encouragement · love