There Will Come Soft Rains
By Sara Teasdale
There will come soft rains and the smell of the ground,
And swallows circling with their shimmering sound;
And frogs in the pools singing at night,
And wild plum trees in tremulous white.Robins will wear their feathery fire
Whistling their whims on a low fence‑wire;
And not one will know of the war, not one
Will care at last when it is done.Not one would mind, neither bird nor tree
If mankind perished utterly;
And Spring herself, when she woke at dawn,
Would scarcely know that we were gone.
Summary of There Will Come Soft Rains
Sara Teasdale’s “There Will Come Soft Rains” is a poignant lyric poem that reflects on the enduring power of nature and the fleeting existence of humankind. Written in 1917, shortly after the devastation of World War I, the poem presents a vision of a posthuman world where nature continues its cycle of renewal, indifferent to the conflicts and eventual demise of humanity. It is a meditation on the insignificance of human endeavors in the grand scheme of the natural world.
- Central Idea: Nature is eternal and will persist long after humanity is gone. The natural world will not mourn or notice the extinction of humankind.
- Noteworthy Context: The poem’s publication after the First World War adds a layer of sorrow and reflection. It is not simply an observation about nature’s permanence; it is a lament for the wastefulness of war and a reminder of the fragility of human life.
Analysis of There Will Come Soft Rains
The Opening Stanza: Establishing a Natural Paradise
The poem immediately immerses the reader in a sensory experience of nature. “There will come soft rains and the smell of the ground” is a beautiful example of imagery, appealing to our senses of touch and smell. This establishes a peaceful, idyllic setting. The “swallows circling with their shimmering sound” and the “frogs in the pools singing at night” add to this vibrant soundscape. Teasdale does not merely state that these elements exist; she describes them in motion, creating a dynamic picture of a thriving ecosystem. The phrase “tremulous white” when describing the wild plum trees is particularly evocative, suggesting a delicate and fleeting beauty. This initial stanza sets the stage for the poem’s central theme: the enduring power and beauty of nature.
Shifting Focus: The Indifference of Nature
The poem takes a significant turn in the third stanza: “Robins will wear their feathery fire / Whistling their whims on a low fence‑wire.” This continues the description of natural life and introduces a crucial element of indifference. The robins are simply living their lives, oblivious to any human drama. This indifference is explicitly stated in the lines “And not one will know of the war, not one will care at last when it is done.” The use of “not one” emphasizes the complete lack of concern from the natural world. The alliteration of “will” and “whims” adds a musicality that softens the harsh reality of the statement.
Extinction and Acceptance
The final two stanzas deliver the poem’s most profound message. “Not one would mind, neither bird nor tree / If mankind perished utterly.” This is not presented as a tragedy but as a natural occurrence. Nature would not mourn or even notice. The phrase “perished utterly” is stark, yet it is presented without judgment. The final lines, “And Spring herself, when she woke at dawn, / Would scarcely know that we were gone,” are perhaps the most haunting. Spring, the symbol of renewal and rebirth, would continue its cycle, unaware of humanity’s absence. The word “scarcely” underscores the complete insignificance of human existence to the natural world. The poem offers no comforting message but a humbling one.
Literary and Poetic Devices in “There Will Come Soft Rains”
Imagery and Sensory Detail
Teasdale masterfully uses imagery throughout the poem to create a vivid and immersive experience for the reader. The descriptions of “soft rains,” “shimmering sound,” and “feathery fire” appeal to our senses, bringing the natural world to life. This sensory detail is crucial in establishing the poem’s atmosphere and conveying its central theme.
Enjambment
Enjambment, the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next, is used effectively to create a sense of fluidity and natural rhythm. For example, in the lines “And not one will know of the war, not one will care at last when it is done,” the thought continues seamlessly from one line to the next, mirroring the uninterrupted cycle of nature.
Alliteration and Assonance
Teasdale utilizes alliteration and assonance to enhance the musicality of the poem. The repetition of the “w” sound in “Whistling their whims” and the repetition of the short “i” sound in “circling with their shimmering sound” create a pleasing auditory effect.
Symbolism
Nature itself functions as a powerful symbol of endurance and renewal. The robins, frogs, and plum trees represent the continuity of life, unaffected by human actions. Spring symbolizes rebirth and the cyclical nature of time.
Rhyme Scheme and Structure
The poem employs a consistent couplet rhyme scheme in each stanza, which contributes to its lyrical quality and memorability. The use of rhyming couplets also helps to emphasize certain ideas and create a sense of closure. The poem’s short, concise stanzas contribute to its overall impact and convey a sense of inevitability.
Quotes for Reflection
There will come soft rains and the smell of the ground,
And swallows circling with their shimmering sound;
And frogs in the pools singing at night,
And wild plum trees in tremulous white.
These lines evoke a sense of peace and tranquility, reminding us of the beauty and resilience of the natural world. They also serve as a call to reflect on our place within the larger ecosystem and to appreciate the preciousness of life.