A Summer Morning

By Robert Fuller Murray

Sonnet
    Never was sun so bright before,          No matin of the lark so sweet,          No grass so green beneath my feet,     Nor with such dewdrops jewelled o'er.     I stand with thee outside the door,          The air not yet is close with heat,          And far across the yellowing wheat     The waves are breaking on the shore.     A lovely day!    Yet many such,          Each like to each, this month have passed,                 And none did so supremely shine.     One thing they lacked: the perfect touch          Of thee--and thou art come at last,                 And half this loveliness is thine.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
In this poem, the speaker extols the beauty of a particular day, one that surpasses all others in its radiance and charm. The language is rich and evocative, with phrases such as sun so bright before and dewdrops jewelled o'er that conjure vivid images of a serene and idyllic scene. The speaker's tone is one of wonder and appreciation, as they marvel at the beauty of the natural world and the arrival of a special someone who brings an extra layer of loveliness to the day. The poem's structure and rhyme scheme are carefully crafted to enhance its musicality and emotional impact. The use of enjambment and caesura creates a sense of flow and pause, mirroring the ebb and flow of the waves on the shore and the gentle rustle of the wheat. The speaker's words are infused with a sense of longing and anticipation, as they await the arrival of this special person who will complete the day's perfection. The poem's final line, And half this loveliness is thine, suggests that the speaker believes this person is the key to unlocking the full beauty of the day. This observation underscores the idea that the poem is not just a celebration of natural beauty, but also a romantic and introspective exploration of the human experience.

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.