from The Land of Beginning Again

Question

By Louisa Fletcher Tarkington
I wish there were some wonderful place
Called the Land of Beginning Again,
Where all our mistakes and all our heartaches,
And all our poor, selfish grieves1
Could be dropped, like a shabby2 old coat, at the door,
And never put on again.
We would find the things we intended to do,
But forgot and remembered too late--
Little praises unspoken, little promises broken,
And all of the thousand and one
Little duties neglected3 that might have perfected
The days of one less fortunate.
So I wish that there were some wonderful place
Called the Land of Beginning Again,
Where all our mistakes and all our heartaches,
And all our poor, selfish grieves
Could be dropped, like a ragged old coat, at the door,
And never put on again.

1. grieves: to feel very sad about something
2. shabby: torn, worn, in poor condition
3. neglected: failed to care for something

What is this poem about?

Answer 1

The poem "The Land of Beginning Again" by Louisa Fletcher Tarkington expresses a longing for a place where people can leave behind their mistakes, heartaches, and regrets. The speaker yearns for an opportunity to shed the burdens of their past, metaphorically described as "a shabby old coat," allowing them to start anew without the weight of previous errors and emotional pain.

The poem highlights themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the desire for a fresh start. It reflects the human experience of feeling overwhelmed by remorseful thoughts, unfulfilled promises, and neglected duties, suggesting that these experiences can hinder personal growth and happiness. The repeated wish for a "wonderful place" emphasizes a universal desire for relief from the emotional burdens of life and the hope for a chance to make things right. Ultimately, it conveys a poignant message about the complexities of human experience and the yearning for renewal.