A Poem and a Reflection

Annie Louisa Walker (1836-1907)

The Night Cometh

1
Work! for the night is coming;
2
Work! through the morning hours;
3
Work! while the dew is sparkling;
4
Work! 'mid the springing flowers;
5
Work! while the day grows brighter,
6
Under the glowing sun;
7
Work! for the night is coming,--
8
Night, when man's work is done.
9
Work! for the night is coming;
10
Work! through the sunny noon;
11
Fill the bright hours with labour,
12
Rest cometh sure and soon.
13
Give to each flying minute
14
Something to keep in store;
15
Work! for the night is coming,--
16
Night, when man works no more.
17
Work! for the night is coming;
18
Under the sunset skies,
19
While their bright tints are glowing,
20
Work! for the daylight flies;
21
Work! till the last beam fadeth,
22
Fadeth to shine no more;
23
Work! while the night is darkening,--
24
Night, when man's work is o'er.


The idea that this poem is addressing is quite clear even in the first word: "Work!"
Taking the era that this was written in into consideration, "work" would have been of major concern: settlers, farmers, etc. would constantly be labouring and working in their fields to make a living.

However, Annie Louisa Walker portrays these hardships in a more creative and admirable light; using beautiful and more friendly imagery than one would usually associate with work, she brings a sense of the allure of nature, and the accomplishment that comes with a productive day.

Using an example of her optimism; "Work! While the dew is sparkling/ Work! 'mid the springing flowers;" (3-4), she shows how even working in the morning can be pleasant, if not demanding. Her usage of the exclamation marks show the need for steady labour, and demonstrates the hardy nature of Canadian farmers.

This poem is a great poetic illustration of life in an earlier Canada, and it elucidates the natural beauty of the landscape.