A Poem About Grief

Ruth by Thomas Hood.

“Ruth” resonates with me because I continue to feel the loss of my wife and companion. We were married for 50 years, and I am 81 years old. I feel the isolation Hood mentions in the poem. The poem is both sad and very beautiful. Please read the poem and let me know your thoughts and reactions.

Ruth

by Thomas Hood

"She stood breast high among the corn,

Clasped by the golden light of morn,

Like the sweetheart of the sun,

Who many a glowing kiss had won.

On her cheek an autumn flush,

Deeply ripened;—such a blush

In the midst of brown was born,

Like red poppies grown with corn.

Round her eyes her tresses fell,

Which were blackest none could tell.

But long lashes veiled a light,

That had else been all too bright.

And her hat, with shady brim,

Made her tressy forehead dim;

Thus she stood amid the stooks,

Praising God with sweetest looks:

Sure, I said, Heaven did not mean,

Where I reap thou shouldst but glean;

Lay thy sheaf adown and come,

Share my harvest and my home."

The poem 'Ruth' by Thomas Hood is a poignant narrative that follows the journey of a unique woman named Ruth. She grapples with profound sorrow and despair, which many can relate to. The poem begins with a biblical allusion to Ruth, but it quickly transitions to the personal narrative of the poem's main character. Ruth is not just a figure of profound sadness and isolation but also a symbol of human vulnerability. She is standing by a stream in a desolate landscape, her grief palpable and her tears serving as a poignant testament to her deep sorrow.

As the poem unfolds, Ruth's sorrow is deeply rooted in a love that is now lost. She vividly recalls the days of her past, when she was enveloped in the warmth of her lover's presence. However, those days are now a distant memory, and the stark contrast between her past happiness and her current loneliness is a source of joy and pain, evoking a strong sense of nostalgia and empathy in the audience.

Ruth's lament also delves into the passage of time. She observes how the seasons shift, and nature continues its cycle. The seasons are oblivious to her suffering. This stark indifference of nature to human sorrow underscores the poem's theme of isolation. It is a theme that resonates deeply, making the audience feel the profound depth of Ruth's loneliness.

Hood employs vivid imagery throughout the poem to depict Ruth's emotional state. The barren and bleak landscape surrounding her serves as a mirror of her inner turmoil. The stream, a symbol of life and continuity, contrasts with Ruth's stagnant and sorrowful existence, further emphasizing her isolation.

The poem concludes with Ruth still in her state of mourning, suggesting that her grief is unending. Hood's portrayal of Ruth emphasizes the depth of human emotion and the enduring nature of sorrow when one experiences profound loss.

Overall, "Ruth" is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the passage of time. It highlights the enduring pain of a broken heart and the isolation that can accompany deep grief.