Carpe Diem

CARPE DIEM According to the Mirriam-Webster Dictionary, the Latin term carpe diem literally means “pluck the day.” The term first appeared in 1817, at which time the term phrase “pluck the day” had a connotation of today’s “seize the day.” The Mirriam-Webster Dictionary also defines carpe diem as “the enjoyment of the pleasures of the moment without concern for the future.” Later romantic era poets had strong overtones of seizing the day. Their literature urged …

…he can at the moment. Each poem discussed shows these thoughts differently. “She Walks In Beauty” captures a vision of loveliness. “When We Two Parted” captures times of happiness in life. Finally, “When I Have Fears That I May Cease To Be” captures the little time a person has in life. The carpe diem theme is evident in each of these poems. These three authors all portray their feelings of carpe diem in their poetry.