Green fields of England! wheresoeer

By Arthur Hugh Clough

    Green fields of England! wheresoeer     Across this watery waste we fare,     Your image at our hearts we bear     Green fields of England, everywhere.     Sweet eyes in England, I must flee     Past where the waves last confines be,     Ere your loved smile I cease to see,     Sweet eyes in England, dear to me.     Dear home in England, safe and fast     If but in thee my lot lie cast,     The past shall seem a nothing past     To thee, dear home, if won at last;     Dear home in England, won at last.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a heartfelt ode to England, exploring themes of longing, patriotism, and a deep-seated love for one's homeland. The poet employs a consistent refrain in each stanza, effectively evoking an image of England as a beacon of comfort and familiarity. This refrain serves to emphasize the poet's deep connection to England, a connection that persists even as they venture across a "watery waste."

The tone of the poem is nostalgic and somewhat melancholic, characterized by a longing for what has been left behind. The repeated references to "green fields," "sweet eyes," and a "dear home," symbolize the natural landscape, loved ones, and a sense of belonging, respectively. These elements are presented as cherished components of the poet's identity, elements that they carry with them, regardless of the physical distance.

The structure of the poem, with its rhymed quatrains and a concluding couplet, contributes to a rhythmic flow that mirrors the waves mentioned in the poem. This rhythm, coupled with the repeated refrain, creates a lyrical quality that enhances the emotional resonance of the poem. The use of anaphora, a literary device where words or phrases at the beginning of successive clauses are repeated, further emphasizes the poet's enduring affection for England. Thus, the poem provides a poignant portrayal of longing for home, serving as a testament to the enduring emotional ties that can bind us to a specific location.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.


Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.