"Long stormy spring-time, wet contentious April, winter chilling the lap of very May; but at length the season of summer does come"

Long stormy spring-time, wet contentious April, winter chilling the lap of very May; but at length the season of summer does come. These poetic lines by Thomas Carlyle serve as an elegant metaphor for the turbulent and sometimes disheartening phases encountered in life. Spring, often a symbol of renewal and hope, is depicted here instead as "stormy" and fraught with unrest. April, traditionally a time when nature awakens, is described as "wet" and "contentious", emphasizing not just literal weather but also the inner turmoil and disputes that can persist even in periods meant for growth and optimism.

The image of winter "chilling the lap of very May" evokes the idea that hardship and adversity can unexpectedly extend their reach, encroaching even into times anticipated for warmth and blossoming hope. May, associated with full spring and impending summer, is shown to be susceptible to the lingering cold and struggles of an earlier season. This demonstrates how setbacks and sorrow do not adhere strictly to timings or plans, and past difficulties can overshadow the promise of future happiness.

Yet, Carlyle’s reflection does not dwell solely in pessimism. The concluding phrase, "at length the season of summer does come", offers a reassuring vision: perseverance through turbulent times leads eventually to periods of sunshine, fulfillment, and peace. Summer, in this analogy, represents resolution, clarity, and reward, affirming that hardship, however protracted, is finite. Endurance through metaphorical storms of life eventually yields the hoped-for season of joy and warmth.

In a broader context, these lines encourage patience and resilience. Nature’s cycles mirror human experience: neither pain nor joy is permanent. Challenges, like seasons, pass, and the promise of relief sustains us. Hope is reaffirmed by the certainty that, however delayed, solace and prosperity arrive for those who endure.