Every day hath its night...
Every day hath its night... - meaning Summary
Opposing Rhythms of Life
Tennyson’s poem maps life as a pattern of opposites: day and night, joy and grief, calm and storm recur together. Each stanza pairs light with shadow to argue that happiness and sorrow are inseparable and cyclical. The recurring lament “Ah! welaway!” gives a tone of resigned compassion rather than despair, urging acceptance of change and holding hope within mourning. The poem closes by urging tears held in hopeful expectation.
Read Complete AnalysesI Every day hath its night: Every night its morn: Thorough dark and bright Wingèd hours are borne; Ah! welaway! Seasons flower and fade; Golden calm and storm Mingle day by day. There is no bright form Doth not cast a shade— Ah! welaway! II When we laugh, and our mirth Apes the happy vein, We’re so kin to earth, Pleasaunce fathers pain— Ah! welaway! Madness laugheth loud: Laughter bringeth tears: Eyes are worn away Till the end of fears Cometh in the shroud, Ah! welaway! III All is change, woe or weal; Joy is Sorrow’s brother; Grief and gladness steal Symbols of each other; Ah! welaway! Larks in heaven’s cope Sing: the culvers mourn All the livelong day. Be not all forlorn; Let us weep, in hope— Ah! welaway!
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