Here's what we can infer about the speaker's past based on the poem:
* The speaker was once content with a life of comfort and security: The poem opens with the speaker expressing a sense of contentment and stability, mentioning "peace" and "tranquil days." This suggests that the speaker enjoyed a comfortable and secure life before the change.
* The speaker experienced a dramatic shift in their circumstances: The poem's central theme is the transition from a stable, "sunlit" life to a "world of storm." The speaker mentions "a sudden swift descent" and "tempestuous waves," suggesting a sudden and disruptive change that has swept away their former life.
* The speaker may have experienced loss or heartbreak: The poem uses imagery of "wreckage," "desolation," and "the cruel hand of fate" to convey a sense of loss and pain. It's possible that the speaker experienced the loss of a loved one, a relationship, or a cherished dream.
* The speaker is struggling to adapt to the change: The speaker expresses a sense of confusion, uncertainty, and vulnerability. They are grappling with the new realities and the challenges of moving forward.
* The speaker is searching for hope and meaning: Despite the pain and uncertainty, the speaker shows a desire to find meaning in the change. They express a longing for "a new dawn" and "a song of peace."
While the poem doesn't explicitly state what the speaker did in the past, it paints a vivid picture of their inner journey through a significant change. We can infer that the speaker once lived a comfortable life but has experienced a dramatic shift that has left them struggling to adapt and find meaning.