Here's a breakdown of the poem's meaning:
* The Golden "Leaf" and "Dawn": The poem opens with the line "Nature's first green is gold," which suggests that the first, most pristine stage of life is like a precious, golden hue. This "gold" can be interpreted as:
* Youth: The innocence and vibrancy of youth, often associated with golden hair and the freshness of new beginnings.
* Beauty: The ephemeral beauty of nature's early growth, like the golden glow of a new leaf or the first rays of dawn.
* The Inevitability of Change: The poem's central message is that "Nothing gold can stay." This implies that this youthful beauty and vibrancy are not meant to last forever. It's a natural cycle: spring gives way to summer, youth gives way to maturity, and eventually, all things must fade and change.
* Acceptance and the Passage of Time: The poem doesn't express sadness or lament over the passing of time. Instead, it seems to suggest an acceptance of the inevitable cycle of life and the beauty that exists in both the gold and the green. The final line, "So Eden sank to grief, / So dawn goes down to day," reinforces this idea. Eden, the Garden of Eden, a symbol of paradise, eventually fell to "grief" - a reminder of the inevitable decline and change. Similarly, the golden dawn gives way to the ordinary day.
In essence, "Nothing Gold Can Stay" is a poetic exploration of the natural cycle of life, the beauty of fleeting moments, and the acceptance of change as an inherent part of existence.
The poem leaves the reader with a sense of both melancholy and wonder, reminding us to appreciate the preciousness of the present moment and the inevitable passage of time.