Poem Analysis - Come Rest Awhile

Lucy Maud Montgomery's "Come, Rest Awhile" is a gentle invitation to escape the stresses of modern life and rediscover the simple beauties of nature and memory. The poem establishes a soothing tone from the outset, promising respite and tranquility. There is a subtle shift as the poem moves from describing the escape to highlighting what has been lost through a life consumed by work, before returning to the initial comforting invitation. The overall mood is one of wistful longing and hopeful encouragement.

A Call to Escape the Modern World

The poem directly contrasts the frenetic pace of "the greedy mart, the troubled street" with the serene allure of nature. Montgomery uses the opening lines as a direct appeal, urging the reader to abandon their worries and seek solace in a calmer setting. The imagery of "glimmering valleys, cool and far away" paints a picture of an idyllic retreat, a haven far removed from the pressures of daily life. The repetition of "Come" acts as a beckoning, emphasizing the urgency and importance of this escape.

The Lost Symphony of Memory and Nature

One of the central themes is the idea that modern life has deafened us to the subtle "music, faint and sweet" of nature and memory. The poem suggests that "wayward chimes of memory's pensive bells" are constantly ringing, but they go "Unheard by those who will not pause to hear." This implies a deliberate choice on the part of individuals to ignore the restorative power of reflection and connection to the past. This loss is presented as a profound deprivation, a silencing of the inner self.

The Healing Power of the Natural World

The poem emphasizes the restorative power of nature through vivid imagery. The "dewy buds" that "unclose" to reveal "the sweetness of the violet and the rose" symbolize the reawakening of senses and emotions that have been dulled by the pressures of everyday life. The phrase "Emblossomed ways" evokes a sense of beauty and abundance, suggesting that joy and romance still exist in the natural world, waiting to be rediscovered. This return to nature is not just a physical escape but a journey back to a more authentic and fulfilling existence.

Forgotten Smiles and the Call to Return

The line "You have forgotten what it is to smile / In your too busy life­come, rest awhil" is particularly poignant. It underscores the human cost of a life dedicated solely to work and ambition. The loss of simple joys, like smiling, becomes a symbol of a deeper disconnection from oneself and the world. The concluding repetition of "come, rest awhil" serves as a gentle reminder and reinforcement of the initial invitation, urging the reader to reclaim their lost capacity for happiness and tranquility.

Concluding Thoughts on Rediscovering Peace

"Come, Rest Awhile" is a timeless poem that speaks to the universal human need for peace and connection. It reminds us that amidst the chaos of modern life, there is always the option to pause, to reflect, and to rediscover the beauty and solace that can be found in nature and memory. The poem's enduring significance lies in its simple yet profound message: that true happiness often resides not in material success, but in the quiet appreciation of the world around us and the memories we hold dear. It is an invitation to reclaim the **forgotten joys** of a simpler existence.