Discontent

by Elizabeth Barrett Browning — a poem card from Justes Mots

Barrett Browning argues that trivial complaints reveal human restlessness, while genuine suffering paradoxically brings peace and spiritual grounding. The poem teaches that divine trials anchor us securely in faith. It comforts those facing real adversity by reframing pain as a path to spiritual calm.

Light human nature is too lightly tost
And ruffled without cause, complaining on
Restless with rest, until, being overthrown,
It learneth to lie quiet. Let a frost
Or a small wasp have crept to the inner-most
Of our ripe peach, or let the wilful sun
Shine westward of our window, straight we run
A furlong's sigh as if the world were lost.…

Themes: birthday · friendship · encouragement · reflection