The Vanity of Existence Poem by Philip Freneau
The Vanity of Existence
In youth, gay scenes attract our eyes,
And not suspecting their decay
Life's flowery fields before us rise,
Regardless of its winter day.
But vain pursuits, and joys as vain,
Convince us life is but a dream.
Death is to wake, to rise again
To that true life you best esteem.
So nightly on some shallow tide,
Oft have I seen a splendid show;
Reflected stars on either side,
And glittering moons were seen below.
But when the tide had ebbed away,
The scene fantastic with it fled,
A bank of mud around me lay,
And sea-weed on the river's bed.
Very interesting. can be read several ways. Which is the illusion, heaven or earth?
I cite here the last stanza: But when the tide had ebbed away, The scene fantastic with it fled, A bank of mud around me lay, And sea-weed on the river's bed. Reality convinces here: Life is but a draem. So true! Top Marks
The vanity of human existence exposed beautifully with its ultimate reality. Thanks for sharing. Life's flowery fields before us rise, Regardless of its winter day. Convince us life is but a dream.
Fantasy doped lives enjoy mirages and never see the reality. When the tide has gone, only mud and weeds one is left with. Vanity never does good. Very philosophical and beautifully versed poem.
When the tide had ebbed away! Thanks for sharing this poem with us.
Somewhat philosophical I think. It is so interesting.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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4/23/2024 6:53:07 AM # 1.0.0.1119
It goes on and on this endless strife This unending cycle of death and of life Pleasures few and suffering so much more Till we nomads reach the freedoms shore…………