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The Life

Author: Sir Francis Bacon

This Page Includes: Full Verses of the Poem in Text. A Recording of the Poem (Audio). A Free PDF Download for reading purposes. Free Editable Google Doc Download if you wish to make changes or to personalise the poem. The page also includes what the poem is about, structure of poem and explaining the best parts.

The Life Poem Verses

The World's a bubble, and the Life of Man
Less than a span:
In his conception wretched, from the womb
So to the tomb;
Curst from his cradle, and brought up to years
With cares and fears.
Who then to frail mortality shall trust,
But limns on water, or but writes in dust.
Yet whilst with sorrow here we live opprest,
What life is best?
Courts are but only superficial schools
To dandle fools:
The rural parts are turn'd into a den
Of savage men:
And where's a city from foul vice so free,
But may be term'd the worst of all the three?
Domestic cares afflict the husband's bed,
Or pains his head:
Those that live single, take it for a curse,

Or do things worse:
Some would have children: those that have them, moan
Or wish them gone:
What is it, then, to have, or have no wife,
But single thraldom, or a double strife?
Our own affections still at home to please
Is a disease:
To cross the seas to any foreign soil,
Peril and toil:
Wars with their noise affright us; when they cease,
We are worse in peace;--
What then remains, but that we still should cry
For being born, or, being born, to die

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Please note the audio recording may not exactly match the text version as 'The Life' can be tailored/personalised

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Personalised Poem

Would you like to customise this poem? You have the option to personalise it by accessing the provided link, which will direct you to Google Docs. From there, you can download the poem ‘Memories’ to your personal Google Docs account or Microsoft Word where you will be able to edit the poem however you want.

Personalised Poem

About the poem

The poem reflects on the brevity of life and the troubles that come with it, from birth to death. Shirley contrasts the ideals of life with the harsh realities of living, including domestic strife, social pressures, and the fear and uncertainty brought on by war. The poem ultimately concludes with a lament for the futility of life and the inevitability of death.

While this poem may not be suitable for a funeral in the traditional sense, it could be personalized to reflect the unique struggles and joys of the person being remembered. The poem could serve as a reminder to cherish the time we have and to not take life for granted. It could also be used to reflect on the difficulties and challenges that the deceased faced, and how they persevered through them. The final lines of the poem could also serve as a reminder to mourn and grieve, but ultimately to accept the inevitability of death.

The Structure of Poem

The poem consists of one stanza with fourteen lines, and it follows the rhyming scheme of ABABCC. The poem begins with the theme of the transience of human life, comparing it to a bubble that bursts quickly. The poem then discusses the different aspects of life that cause sorrow and affliction, such as domestic and marital problems, having or not having children, and the dangers of travel and war. The poem ends on a note of resignation, with the speaker questioning the purpose of life and why humans should even bother to exist.

Best Quote from The Life Poem

This is a quote from the poem The Life by Sir Francis Bacon

"The World's a bubble, and the Life of Man Less than a span...What then remains, but that we still should cry For being born, or, being born, to die."

This quote reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the many challenges and hardships that we face during our brief time on earth. It suggests that despite our struggles, our ultimate fate is the same - death. This quote can serve as a reminder to live life fully, appreciate the moments we have, and find meaning in our existence, even in the face of adversity.