O my luve's like a red, red rose,
That's newly sprung in June:
O my luve's like the melodie
That's sweetly played in tune
As fair art thou, my bonie lass,
So deep in luve am I:
And I will love thee still, my dear.
Till a' the seas gang dry.
Till a' the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi' the sun:
OI will love thee still, my dear.
While the sands o' life shall run.
And fare thee weel, my only live!
And fare thee weel a while!
And I will come again, my luve.
Tho' it were ten thousand mile!
What does "the sands o' life" signify in the above extract?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → The passage of time
In the poem, "the sands o' life" symbolize: The passage of time
Explanation: The phrase "sands o' life" in the poem signifies the passing of time. It metaphorically refers to the finite duration of human life, much like the sand grains slipping through an hourglass. It represents the transient nature of existence and emphasizes the poet's commitment to love until the end of time, implying that love will endure despite the fleeting nature of life itself.