"A Psalm of Life" is a famous poem written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

It was first published in

1838 and is often categorized as a didactic or inspirational poem. The poem is composed of nine
quatrains (four-line stanzas) and is written in a regular rhyme and meter scheme, which gives it a musical
and rhythmic quality. Let's analyze this poem:

Stanza 1:

"Tell me not, in mournful numbers,

Life is but an empty dream!

For the soul is dead that slumbers,

And things are not what they seem."

In this stanza, the poet begins by urging the reader not to view life in a pessimistic or gloomy manner. He
rejects the idea that life is devoid of meaning or purpose. Longfellow emphasizes the importance of an
active and engaged life.

Stanza 2:

"Life is real! Life is earnest!

And the grave is not its goal;

Dust thou art, to dust returnest,

Was not spoken of the soul."

The poet asserts that life is real and significant. He argues that life should not be lived with a focus on
death, as the grave is not the ultimate destination of the soul. He challenges the idea that life is fleeting
and meaningless.

Stanza 3:

"Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,

Is our destined end or way;

But to act, that each to-morrow

Find us farther than to-day."

Longfellow suggests that life's purpose is not merely to seek pleasure or avoid pain but to take action
and strive for self-improvement. He encourages continuous progress and personal growth.

Stanza 4:

"Art is long, and Time is fleeting,

And our hearts, though stout and brave,

Still, like muffled drums, are beating

Funeral marches to the grave."

The poet acknowledges the brevity of life and the passage of time. He compares the human heart to
muffled drums, emphasizing that our time on Earth is limited and that we should make the most of it.
Stanza 5:

"In the world's broad field of battle,

In the bivouac of Life,

Be not like dumb, driven cattle!

Be a hero in the strife!"

Longfellow uses metaphors of warfare and battle to describe life's challenges. He encourages the reader
not to passively accept life's struggles but to face them courageously and heroically.

Stanza 6:

"Trust no Future, howe'er pleasant!

Let the dead Past bury its dead!

Act,—act in the living Present!

Heart within, and God o'erhead!"

The poet advises against dwelling on the past or placing too much hope in the future. He emphasizes the
importance of taking action in the present moment and having faith in a higher power.

Stanza 7:

"Lives of great men all remind us

We can make our lives sublime,

And, departing, leave behind us

Footprints on the sands of time;"

Longfellow points to the examples of great individuals who have made a positive impact on the world.
He suggests that we too can leave a lasting legacy by living a purposeful and meaningful life.

Stanza 8:

"Footprints, that perhaps another,

Sailing o'er life's solemn main,

A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,

Seeing, shall take heart again."

The poet envisions that our actions can serve as inspiration for others who may be struggling or feeling
lost. By living a noble and purpose-driven life, we can provide hope and encouragement to those who
follow.

Stanza 9:

"Let us, then, be up and doing,

With a heart for any fate;

Still achieving, still pursuing,

Learn to labor and to wait."

In the final stanza, Longfellow encourages us to be proactive and resilient in the face of life's challenges.
He advocates for a determined and persevering approach to life, combining hard work with patience.

In summary, "A Psalm of Life" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is a poem that celebrates the value of life,
urges readers to live with purpose and courage, and emphasizes the importance of leaving a positive
legacy. It encourages an active and optimistic outlook on life, rejecting the notion that life is futile or
meaningless.