I Watch, And Long Have Watched, With Calm Regret

By William Wordsworth

Sonnet
I watch, and long have watched, with calm regret Yon slowly-sinking star—immortal Sire (So might he seem) of all the glittering quire! Blue ether still surrounds him—yet—and yet; But now the horizon's rocky parapet Is reached, where, forfeiting his bright attire, He burns—transmuted to a dusky fire, Then pays submissively the appointed debt To the flying moments, and is seen no more. Angels and gods! We struggle with our fate, While health, power, glory, from their height decline, Depressed; and then extinguished; and our state, In this, how different, lost star, from thine, That no to-morrow shall our beams restore!
Written: 1827-01-01

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Poem Details

Date Written: 1827-01-01
Date Published: 1827-01-01
Language: English
Keywords: Reflection, Nature, Fate, Transience
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher: W.Wordsworth
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
A sonnet reflecting on the slow and inevitable decline of a star, which serves as a metaphor for the human struggle with fate and the transient nature of life. The poem contemplates the difference between the enduring cycle of nature and the finality of human existence.

Understanding the Sonnet

The sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry, known for its strict structure and profound themes. With a history spanning centuries, sonnets have been used to explore love, beauty, politics, and mortality, all within the confines of just 14 lines.

Sonnets are characterized by their precise form and rhyme scheme, which vary depending on the type of sonnet. Here’s a closer look:

  • Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Composed of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This form often builds a complex argument or narrative, culminating in a powerful closing statement.
  • Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), with a typical rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns in the sestet such as CDECDE or CDCDCD. The octave usually presents a problem, with the sestet providing a resolution.
  • Meter: Sonnets are traditionally written in iambic pentameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances its emotional impact.

The sonnet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a small but potent package, making it a favorite form for poets seeking to explore profound themes with precision and elegance.