Author: Alfred Lord Tennyson

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The rain had fallen, the Poet arose,
He passd by the town and out of the street;
A light wind blew from the gates of the sun,
And waves of shadow went over the wheat;
And he sat him down in a lonely place,
And chanted a melody loud and sweet,
That made the wild-swan pause in her cloud,
And the lark drop down at his feet.

 
The swallow stopt as he hunted the fly,
The snake slipt under a spray,
The wild hawk stood with the down on his beak,
And stared, with his foot on the prey;
And the nightingale thought, I have sung many songs,
But never a one so gay,
For he sings of what the world will be
When the years have died away.

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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: This poem paints a vivid picture of a poet connecting with nature, exploring themes of tranquility, inspiration, and the transformative power of art. The poet is presented as a powerful figure whose song has the ability to halt nature in its tracks, showing the power of creativity and imagination. The tone is calm and contemplative, yet also carries an undercurrent of joy and anticipation.

The structure of the poem is straightforward, with each stanza telling a part of the story, leading up to the final lines which reveal the content and impact of the poet's song. Imagery is a standout literary device in this poem, with the 'light wind', 'gates of the sun', and 'waves of shadow over the wheat' creating a sense of peace and calm. The use of animals and their reactions to the poet's song add an element of wonder and awe, further emphasizing the poet's influence and the enchanting quality of his song.

The final lines of the poem encapsulate its central theme: the power of art to envision and inspire a better future. The nightingale, often a symbol for poets and their songs, admits that even her many songs have never been as joyful as the poet's. The poet's song, therefore, transcends the existing world, offering a hopeful vision of what the world could be 'when the years have died away'. This provides a poignant comment on the enduring and transformative power of poetry.