Literary Reflections

As winter — though it hardly seems apropos to call it that — descends and we enter another spring, I want to take this opportunity to share 2 of my favorite spring poems. Poetry, like the weather, can change our moods, for the better or worse. When we experience a poem, we, like the changing weather, adapt ourselves to it. The first poem was one of Wordsworth’s earlier poems. It blends the light, playful air of spring with the freedom of thought. Read it below, and let me know what images stick out for you

Lines Written in Early Spring William Wordsworth (1798)

I heard a thousand blended notes,
While in a grove I sate reclined,
n that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts Bring sad thoughts to the mind.

To her fair works did Nature link
The human soul that through me ran;
And much it grieved my heart to think
What man has made of man.

Through primrose tufts, in that green bower, The periwinkle trailed its wreaths; And ’tis my faith that every flower Enjoys the air it breathes.

The birds around me hopped and played,
Their thoughts I cannot measure:--
But the least motion which they made
It seemed a thrill of pleasure.

The budding twigs spread out their fan,
To catch the breezy air;
And I must think, do all I can,
That there was pleasure there.

If this belief from heaven be sent,
If such be Nature’s holy plan,
Have I not reason to lament
What man has made of man?

In the second poem that I am going to share, is by Robert Herrick. What strikes me about this poem is the strong images of brooks, blossoms, birds, etc… Each one conjures up a sense of the freedom in spring, of the joyous youth and innocence brought about by the season. What mood does this poem leave you with?

Robert Herrick (1591-1674)
Hesperides (1648)

I sing of brooks, of blossoms, birds, and bowers:
Of April, May, of June, and July flowers.
I sing of Maypoles, Hock-carts, wassails, wakes, Of bridegrooms, brides, and of their bridal cakes.

I hope you enjoy these poems as much as I did; they offer us a glimpse into our upcoming season: spring. May you have a warm winter and a light, playful spring.

~Joel Neft
English Instructor