Meaning: The quote "And suns grow meek, and the meek suns grow brief, and the year smiles as it draws near its death" is from the poem "To a Waterfowl" by William Cullen Bryant, an American poet and journalist who lived in the 18th and 19th centuries. The poem is a contemplation on the journey of a waterfowl through the changing seasons and landscapes, and the quote in question captures the melancholic beauty of nature's cycles and the passage of time.

In this particular line, Bryant personifies the suns as they "grow meek" and "grow brief," suggesting a sense of humility and fleetingness. This imagery conveys the idea that even the powerful and enduring nature of the sun becomes subdued and transient as the year approaches its end. The phrase "the year smiles as it draws near its death" further emphasizes the bittersweet nature of this transition, as if the year itself is aware of its impending demise and yet smiles in resignation or acceptance.

Bryant's use of language and imagery in this quote reflects his Romantic sensibilities, as he often focused on the natural world and sought to convey its emotional and spiritual resonance. The changing of the seasons and the passage of time were recurring themes in his work, and he frequently used vivid descriptions of nature to evoke a sense of wonder and contemplation in his readers.

The concept of the suns growing meek and brief can be interpreted as a metaphor for the waning power and vitality of nature as the year comes to a close. The imagery of the year smiling as it nears its end is poignant, suggesting a peaceful acceptance of the cyclical nature of life and the inevitability of change.

This quote also captures the universal theme of mortality and the transient nature of existence. The idea that even the sun, a symbol of strength and endurance, can become meek and brief underscores the idea that all things, no matter how powerful or enduring, are subject to the passage of time and the cycle of life and death.

Bryant's contemplation on the changing seasons and the fleeting nature of life in this quote resonates with readers across generations, as it speaks to the timeless and universal experience of witnessing the natural world transform and evolve. The beauty of his language and the depth of his insight into the human experience continue to captivate and inspire readers to this day.

In conclusion, William Cullen Bryant's quote "And suns grow meek, and the meek suns grow brief, and the year smiles as it draws near its death" eloquently captures the poignant beauty of nature's cycles and the passage of time. Through vivid imagery and contemplative language, Bryant conveys the humility, transience, and acceptance inherent in the changing of the seasons and the universal experience of mortality. This quote stands as a testament to Bryant's skill as a poet and his ability to evoke the emotional and spiritual resonance of the natural world.