Author: Alfred Lord Tennyson

---

When cats run home and light is come,
And dew is cold upon the ground,
And the far-off stream is dumb,
And the whirring sail goes round,
And the whirring sail goes round;
Alone and warming his five wits,
The white owl in the belfry sits.

When merry milkmaids click the latch,
And rarely smells the new-mown hay,
And the cock hath sung beneath the thatch
Twice or thrice his roundelay,
Twice or thrice his roundelay;
Alone and warming his five wits,
The white owl in the belfry sits.

---

Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: The poem presents a vivid portrayal of a rural evening, depicting a variety of scenes that communicate a serene tranquility. It utilizes a wealth of sensory imagery to immerse the reader in the described environment, from the cool dew on the ground to the scent of new-mown hay. The repetition of the phrase "And the whirring sail goes round," and "Twice or thrice his roundelay," offers a rhythmic, soothing quality, while the repeated final line of each stanza underscores the quiet solitude of the owl, the central figure of the poem.

The theme of solitude is juxtaposed with the bustling activity of the rural environment, creating a stark contrast that emphasizes the owl's isolation. The phrase "Alone and warming his five wits," suggests an introspective, contemplative state, attributing a certain intellectual depth to the owl. The use of a white owl, often symbolizing wisdom in literature, further enhances this interpretation. The structure of the poem, featuring two quatrains followed by a couplet in each stanza, contributes to a rhythmic fluidity and ease of reading. The poem, with its rich imagery, thoughtful juxtapositions, and rhythmic structure, provides a subtle exploration of solitude and observation within the grandeur of nature.