'Morning' by Paul Laurence Dunbar


AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay



The mist has left the greening plain,
The dew-drops shine like fairy rain,
The coquette rose awakes again
Her lovely self adorning.

The Wind is hiding in the trees,
A sighing, soothing, laughing tease,
Until the rose says "Kiss me, please,"
'Tis morning, 'tis morning.

With staff in hand and careless-free,
The wanderer fares right jauntily,
For towns and houses are, thinks he,
For scorning, for scorning.
My soul is swift upon the wing,
And in its deeps a song I bring;
Come, Love, and we together sing,
"'Tis morning, 'tis morning."

Editor 1 Interpretation

Morning by Paul Laurence Dunbar

Oh, 'tis sweet to think that, where'er we rove,

We are sure to find something blissful and dear,

And that, when we're far from the lips we love,

We've but to make love to the lips we are near.

So, when I am weary and fain would rest,

And my heart feels sore and my eyes are dim,

I turn to the east, to the land of the blest,

And watch for the morning that follows the night.

Oh, the morning! the morning! the bright and joyous morning,

When the sun comes up with a smile and a song;

When the dew-drops glisten on the flowers adorning

The pathway that leads to the fields and the woods.

In the morning, the air is so pure and so clear,

That it seems like a breath from the land of the blest;

And the perfume that floats on the breeze, from the dear

And the beautiful flowers, is sweeter than rest.

Paul Laurence Dunbar, one of the most prominent African American poets of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, wrote "Morning" in 1899. The poem, which is only nine lines long, speaks of the restorative powers of nature and the hope that comes with a new day. Although it is a simple poem, it conveys a profound message about the human experience and the importance of finding solace in nature.

The poem begins with the speaker reflecting on the idea that there is always something blissful and dear to be found, no matter where we go. The speaker suggests that, even when we are far from the people we love, we can still find comfort in the world around us. This idea is particularly poignant for Dunbar, who faced tremendous racism and discrimination throughout his life. For him, the natural world provided a refuge from the social and political injustices he experienced.

The second stanza focuses on the restorative powers of morning. The speaker describes the morning as bright and joyous, with the sun coming up with a smile and a song. This personification of the sun adds to the poem's sense of hope and optimism. The sun is often seen as a symbol of life and vitality, and by personifying it, Dunbar imbues it with a sense of agency and power. In this way, the sun becomes a metaphor for the transformative power of nature.

The third stanza continues this theme of nature's transformative power. The speaker describes the air as pure and clear, like a breath from the land of the blest. This phrase is significant because it suggests that nature has the power to transport us to a better place. The idea of a land of the blest is a common motif in literature, and it is often associated with ideas of utopia or paradise. By invoking this idea, Dunbar suggests that nature has the power to transport us to a better, happier place.

The final two lines of the poem focus on the beauty of the flowers and the sweet scent that they give off. This imagery is significant because it suggests that even the smallest things in nature can have a profound impact on us. The sweet scent of the flowers is contrasted with the idea of rest, suggesting that nature has the power to rejuvenate and revive us.

Overall, "Morning" is a powerful poem about the restorative powers of nature. Through his use of vivid imagery and personification, Dunbar creates a sense of hope and optimism that is deeply resonant. The poem suggests that, no matter what challenges we face in life, there is always the possibility of renewal and transformation. The message of the poem is simple but profound: nature has the power to heal us and bring us peace.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Morning: A Masterpiece by Paul Laurence Dunbar

Poetry is an art form that has the power to evoke emotions, inspire change, and capture the essence of the human experience. Paul Laurence Dunbar, a renowned African American poet, was a master of this craft. His poem, "Poetry Morning," is a beautiful example of his ability to use language to create vivid imagery and convey deep meaning.

The poem begins with the speaker describing the morning as a time when "the world is young again." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests a sense of renewal and possibility. The speaker goes on to describe the beauty of the natural world, with its "dewy grass" and "rosy sky." This imagery creates a sense of serenity and peace, as if the world is in perfect harmony.

As the poem progresses, the speaker introduces the idea of poetry as a force that can transform the world. He describes how poetry can "make the heart to sing" and "set the world aglow." This idea is reinforced by the imagery of the sun rising, which symbolizes the power of poetry to bring light and warmth to the world.

The speaker then goes on to describe the act of writing poetry as a deeply personal and emotional experience. He describes how the poet "feels the thrill of life" and "hears the voice of God." This language suggests that writing poetry is not just a creative act, but a spiritual one as well.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. The speaker describes how poetry can be a force for social change, saying that it can "make the world anew" and "set the captive free." This language suggests that poetry is not just a form of self-expression, but a tool for activism and social justice.

Overall, "Poetry Morning" is a beautiful and powerful poem that captures the essence of what poetry can be. It is a celebration of the beauty of the natural world, the power of language, and the potential for poetry to transform both the individual and society as a whole.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of imagery. Dunbar's descriptions of the natural world are vivid and evocative, creating a sense of wonder and awe. For example, when he describes the "dewy grass," the reader can almost feel the cool moisture on their skin. Similarly, when he describes the "rosy sky," the reader can almost see the warm glow of the sunrise.

This use of imagery is not just aesthetically pleasing, however. It also serves a deeper purpose, as it reinforces the idea that the natural world is a source of inspiration and renewal. By describing the world as "young again," Dunbar suggests that there is always the potential for growth and change, even in the darkest of times.

Another notable aspect of the poem is its use of language. Dunbar's writing is both lyrical and powerful, with a rhythm and flow that draws the reader in. He uses repetition and alliteration to create a sense of musicality, as in the line "And the world is young again, and the morning sings with joy."

This musicality is not just pleasing to the ear, however. It also serves to reinforce the idea that poetry is a form of art that can move the soul. By using language that is both beautiful and meaningful, Dunbar suggests that poetry has the power to touch us on a deep level.

Perhaps the most important aspect of the poem, however, is its message. Dunbar's celebration of poetry as a force for change and transformation is both inspiring and empowering. By suggesting that poetry can "set the captive free," he is reminding us that art can be a tool for activism and social justice.

This message is particularly relevant today, as we grapple with issues of inequality and injustice. Dunbar's poem reminds us that we have the power to make a difference, and that art can be a powerful tool for social change.

In conclusion, "Poetry Morning" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of what this art form can be. It is a celebration of the beauty of the natural world, the power of language, and the potential for poetry to transform both the individual and society as a whole. Dunbar's use of imagery, language, and message all work together to create a powerful and inspiring work of art that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

Editor Recommended Sites

Play RPGs: Find the best rated RPGs to play online with friends
Speech Simulator: Relieve anxiety with a speech simulation system that simulates a real zoom, google meet
Timeseries Data: Time series data tutorials with timescale, influx, clickhouse
Graph ML: Graph machine learning for dummies
ML Education: Machine learning education tutorials. Free online courses for machine learning, large language model courses

Recommended Similar Analysis

The Naked And The Nude by Robert Graves analysis
Forbearance by Samuel Taylor Coleridge analysis
Isolation: To Marguerite by Matthew Arnold analysis
The Brain-is wider than the Sky by Emily Dickinson analysis
The Passionate Shepard to His Love by Thomas Hood analysis
Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening by Robert Frost analysis
Two by Carl Sandburg analysis
Picture Puzzle Piece by Shel Silverstein analysis
Sheep In Fog by Sylvia Plath analysis
You know the place: then by Sappho analysis