Contrasted Songs

"Contrasted Songs" by Marian Longfellow is a compilation of poems from the early 1900s. It explores themes like nature's beauty, affectionate fondness, bereavement, and devotion to country by way of lyrical verse. Organized into thoughtful sections that highlight different aspects of life and emotions, the collection starts with pieces appreciating nature, such as cheerful "A Song of the Sea." Further along, it moves to more grievous observations about love, such as the mournful "Never Again". The poet combines personal stories with overarching ideas, dealing with both internal happiness and sadness while sparking a touch of national pride and shared memory in her patriotic poems. "Contrasted Songs" asks readers to mediate on connections between personal emotions and the vastness of human existence.