Meaning: The quote "The day breaks not, it is my heart" is a line from the poem "A Nocturnal upon St. Lucy's Day" by the English poet John Donne. This line is the opening of the poem and sets the tone for the rest of the work. The poem was written during the late 16th and early 17th centuries, a time when metaphysical poetry was popular in England. John Donne was one of the leading figures of this poetic movement, characterized by its intellectual and philosophical exploration of themes such as love, religion, and the nature of existence.

In "A Nocturnal upon St. Lucy's Day," Donne reflects on the winter solstice, which is the shortest day of the year, and uses it as a metaphor for the darkness and despair he feels in his own life. The line "The day breaks not, it is my heart" expresses the idea that while the physical day may be dawning, bringing light and hope to the world, his own emotional state remains in darkness and turmoil. This juxtaposition of the external world with the internal emotional landscape is a hallmark of Donne's metaphysical poetry.

The phrase "it is my heart" suggests that the speaker's personal experiences and emotions are shaping his perception of the world around him. This introspective and deeply personal approach to poetry is a key characteristic of Donne's work and sets it apart from the more traditional, outward-focused poetry of his time.

Throughout the poem, Donne continues to explore the theme of inner darkness and despair, using vivid and emotionally charged imagery to convey his feelings of grief and loss. He draws on religious allusions and themes, referencing the Christian martyr St. Lucy and using her story as a lens through which to examine his own emotional struggles. The poem ultimately becomes a meditation on the nature of suffering and the search for spiritual solace in the face of personal tragedy.

Donne's skillful use of language and imagery, as well as his willingness to grapple with complex emotional and philosophical themes, have contributed to the enduring popularity and relevance of his poetry. "A Nocturnal upon St. Lucy's Day" in particular continues to resonate with readers for its raw and honest portrayal of human emotion and its exploration of the intersection between the personal and the universal.

In conclusion, the quote "The day breaks not, it is my heart" encapsulates the deeply introspective and emotionally charged nature of John Donne's poetry. Through this line and the poem from which it comes, Donne invites readers to contemplate the complexities of human emotion and the ways in which personal experiences shape our perception of the world. His ability to intertwine personal grief with broader philosophical and religious themes is a testament to his skill as a poet and continues to captivate and move audiences centuries after it was written.