Among the Rocks
Oh, good gigantic smile o’ the brown old earth,
This autumn morning! How he sets his bones
To bask i’ the sun, and thrusts out knees and feet
For the ripple to run over in its mirth;
Listening the while, where on the heap of stones
The white breast of the sea-lark twitters sweet.
That is the doctrine, simple, ancient, true;
Such is life’s trial, as old earth smiles and knows.
If you loved only what were worth your love,
Love were clear gain, and wholly well for you:
Make the low nature better by your throes!
Give earth yourself, go up for gain above!
Enjoy the poem with beautiful music.
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Who wrote poem "Among the Rocks"?
Robert Browning (May 7, 1812 – December 12, 1889)
Robert Browning, often situated in the
company of the great Victorian poets, was notably proficient in dramatic
monologues, a form he mastered and popularized. He married fellow poet
Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Browning's work "The Ring and the
Book," inspired by a 17th-century Roman murder trial, became a
significant success, solidifying his reputation after years of mixed reviews.
Interestingly, Browning and Charles Dickens were friends, and Dickens even
wrote a character based on him in "Our Mutual Friend." Despite
his literary success, Browning also had a passion for music and was an
accomplished pianist, often composing tunes for his own poems.
"Among the Rocks" explanation
"Among the Rocks" intertwines
vibrant natural imagery with deep philosophical insights, a hallmark of Robert
Browning's work. The earth, personified joyfully basking in the sun, symbolizes
life and growth amidst the serene scene of a twittering sea-lark. Browning’s
philosophical doctrine in the second stanza reflects on life's trials and the
pursuit of worthy love. He advocates elevating base nature through struggle and
self-giving to the earth. The poem subtly intertwines the physical and
spiritual, encouraging readers to seek higher, intangible gains.
