# To Time explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Georgia Douglas Johnson.

## What happens

The speaker addresses Time directly, observing the accumulation of white threads (gray hair) and the swift passage of sand in an hourglass. They wish to hold back time, to linger, until the emotional surges that carry them toward bliss subside. The speaker implores the sun to rest, asking it not to break its arrow in their breast.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Passing of Time and Mortality

The poem directly addresses Time, noting the accumulation of white threads (gray hair) and the swift passage of sand in an hourglass, expressing a desire to hold back time.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The speaker who addresses Time and laments its swift passage.

### Life

Implied as the force behind the 'surges' that sweep the speaker forward.

## Key lines

> Day by day the threads of white Multiply, Oh! hour-glass! How passing swift your bright sands pass

Each day, more gray hairs appear, and the hourglass's sand flows quickly.

_The speaker observes the physical signs of aging and the rapid passage of time._

> Fain would I hold you, Linger, bide Until these surges shall subside, That sweep me forward unto bliss

I wish I could hold you, delay, and wait until the emotional waves that carry me toward happiness calm down.

_The speaker expresses a desire to pause time until they reach a state of bliss._

> Oh! charging sun, I bid you rest, Break not your arrow in my breast!

Oh, advancing sun, I command you to stop; do not pierce my heart with your arrow!

_The speaker implores the sun (symbolizing time's relentless advance) to halt and not cause them pain._

## Links

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