# Companion explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Georgia Douglas Johnson.

## What happens

The narrator reflects on the constant presence of sorrow as an inseparable companion, who paradoxically teaches a dauntless song and enriches life's treasure, even as joy may be absent.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Resilience

Sorrow is a constant companion, yet it teaches a dauntless measure and produces a mellow noted treasure.

### Isolation and Otherness

Despite never being alone, the speaker's constant companion is sorrow, setting them apart from a world that envies their treasure.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The speaker who acknowledges sorrow as a constant companion.

### Life

Implied through the experience of joy and sorrow.

## Key lines

> No, never quite alone am I. Of ill why should I borrow? No matter where my footsteps bend There also follows sorrow.

I am never truly alone, so why should I worry about misfortune? Wherever I go, sorrow follows.

_Establishes sorrow as an ever-present companion._

> And she has taught my lips to sing A rapt and dauntless measure While all the world goes envying My mellow noted treasure.

Sorrow has taught me to sing a joyful and fearless song, while others envy the rich treasure I possess.

_Sorrow paradoxically enables a beautiful and courageous expression._

> No, I have never walked alone! And as I face tomorrow, If I am bereft of joy I know there will be sorrow.

I have never walked alone; even if joy is absent tomorrow, I know sorrow will be there.

_Accepts sorrow as a reliable, if unwelcome, companion in the absence of joy._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_9_se/chapters/companion
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_9_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_9_se/chapters