Why does Robert Herrick compare human life to that of the Daffodils? 

In "To Daffodils," published in 1648, Robert Herrick (1591-1674) mourns how quickly life fades. The poet compares human life to daffodil flowers to show how quickly life passes for both flowers and people. Both daffodils and humans have a short time to stay in the world.

Short Lifespan: Daffodils are bright and beautiful flowers. Daffodils bloom early in spring but fade away swiftly. By focusing on their short lifespan, Herrick draws a parallel with human life, which also feels brief and fragile. The poet says,

Fair Daffodils, we weep to see

You haste away so soon;

…

We have short time to stay, as you,

We have as short a spring;