Consider the Lilies of the Field (Poem by William Hodgson Ellis)

Consider the Lilies of the Field

By William Hodgson Ellis

O weary child of toil and care,

Trembling at every cloud that lowers,

Come and behold how passing fair

Thy God hath made the flowers.

From every hillside’s sunny slope,

From every forest’s leafy shade

The flowers, sweet messengers of hope,

Bid thee “Be not afraid.”

The windflower blooms in yonder bower

All heedless of to-morrow’s storm,

Nor trembles for the coming shower

The lily’s stately form.

No busy shuttle plied to deck

With sunset tints the blushing rose,

And little does the harebell reck

Of toil and all its woes.

The water-lily, pure and white,

Floats idle on the summer stream,

Seeming almost too fair and bright

For aught but Poet’s dream.

The gorgeous tulip, though arrayed

In gold and gems, knows naught of care,

The violet in the mossy glade

Of labour has no share.

They toil not — yet the lily’s dyes

Phœnicean fabrics far surpass,

Nor India’s rarest gem out-vies

The little blue-eyed grass.

For God’s own hand hath clothed the flowers

With fairy form and rainbow hue,

Hath nurtured them with summer showers

And watered them with dew.

To-day, a thousand blossoms fair,

From sunny slope and sheltered glade,

With grateful incense fill the air — 

To-morrow they shall fade.

But thou shalt live when sinks in night

Yon glorious sun, and shall not He

Who hath the flowers so richly dight,

Much rather care for thee?

O, faithless murmurer, thou may’st read

A lesson in the lowly sod,

Heaven will supply thine utmost need,

Fear not, but trust in God.

1865

Note:

This poem was awarded the prize for English verse in the University of Toronto in 1865.

Poem Analysis:

"Consider the Lilies of the Field" by William Hodgson Ellis is a reflective and uplifting poem that draws attention to the splendor of nature's flowers while offering a spiritual message of trust and faith in divine care. This analysis article delves into the poem's themes of beauty, trust in God's providence, and the transient nature of life.

1. A Portrait of Nature's Beauty: The poem opens with an invitation to the weary and burdened, addressing those who are laboring under the weight of life's worries and anxieties. Ellis encourages these individuals to take a moment to behold the remarkable beauty of the flowers, which God has created with exquisite care. The imagery of the flowers is used to represent the boundless beauty and diversity of the natural world. 
2. A Message of Hope and Reassurance: Throughout the poem, Ellis emphasizes that the flowers, as messengers of hope, urge people not to be afraid. The portrayal of the flowers as carefree and unconcerned with the future serves as a reminder of the importance of living in the present moment and trusting in a higher power to provide for one's needs.
3. Contrasting Human Toil with Nature's Bounty: Ellis contrasts the toil and anxiety experienced by humans with the ease and grace of the natural world. The windflower and the lily, for example, do not concern themselves with future storms or hardships. They bloom and thrive without the need for human effort, demonstrating the idea that God provides for His creations.
4. The Diversity of Creation: The poem celebrates the diversity of creation, from the water-lily's purity to the tulip's vibrant colors. Each flower possesses its unique qualities, yet they all share in the beauty of existence. This diversity is a testament to God's creative power.
5. The Transience of Life: Ellis reminds readers that, like the flowers, human life is transient. While the flowers bloom today, they will fade tomorrow. This serves as a reminder of the impermanence of earthly existence and the need to focus on spiritual matters and trust in divine care.
6. Trust in Divine Providence: The poem's central message revolves around trusting in God's providence. Ellis encourages readers to have faith in God's ability to meet their needs, just as He cares for the flowers. The poem serves as a gentle exhortation to relinquish worries and anxieties and rely on a higher power for guidance and support.

"Consider the Lilies of the Field" by William Hodgson Ellis is a poetic reminder of the beauty of the natural world and a call to trust in God's providence. Through vivid imagery and a reassuring message, the poem encourages readers to find solace in the simple yet profound lessons offered by nature. In doing so, it invites reflection on the timeless themes of faith, beauty, and the transient nature of life.