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Author: Arthur Hugh Clough

    Upon the water, in the boat,
    I sit and sketch as down I float:
    The stream is wide, the view is fair,
    I sketch it looking backward there.

    The stream is strong, and as I sit
    And view the picture that we quit,
    It flows and flows, and bears the boat,
    And I sit sketching as we float.

    Each pointed height, each wavy line,
    To new and other forms combine;
    Proportions vary, colours fade,
    And all the landscape is remade.

    Depicted neither far nor near,
    And larger there and smaller here,
    And varying down from old to new,
    Een I can hardly think it true.

    Yet still I look, and still I sit,
    Adjusting, shaping, altering it;
    And still the current bears the boat
    And me, still sketching as I float.

    Still as I sit, with something new
    The foreground intercepts my view;
    Even the distant mountain range
    From the first moment suffers change.
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Type of Poem: Reflective Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a vivid exploration of both the impermanent nature of perception and the artistic process. The poet employs a first-person narrative, guiding the reader through a journey on a stream while sketching the changing landscape. The recurring theme throughout the piece is the dynamic and transient nature of the world, the landscape constantly being "remade" as the narrator drifts downstream.

The structure of the poem, with its consistent rhyme scheme and rhythmic pattern, contrasts beautifully with the evolving scenery it describes, creating an intriguing juxtaposition between the constant and the changing. The tone of the poem is contemplative and somewhat melancholic, reflecting the narrator's struggle to capture the ever-changing landscape on paper. Standout literary devices include vivid imagery and personification, especially in the description of the stream's strength and the landscape's transformation. The foreground "intercepting" the view symbolizes how new experiences or perspectives can interrupt and alter our understanding of what we've previously perceived or believed. The poem, in essence, is a meditation on the fluidity of perspective and the fleeting nature of moments, encapsulated in the act of sketching a perpetually shifting scene.

Understanding Reflective Poetry

Reflective poetry is a form of verse that explores the thoughts, emotions, and meditations of the poet. It often delves into personal experiences, memories, and philosophical musings, offering a window into the poet's inner world.

Reflective poems are characterized by their introspective nature, allowing readers to connect with the poet’s contemplations on life, existence, and the human condition. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Personal Reflection: These poems often center on the poet's own thoughts and feelings, offering a deep dive into their emotional or intellectual state.
  • Philosophical Musings: Reflective poetry frequently addresses larger existential questions, providing a space for the poet to ponder life’s meaning, purpose, and the nature of reality.
  • Imagery and Symbolism: Poets use vivid imagery and rich symbolism to convey their reflections, often drawing on nature, art, or personal experiences to express complex ideas.
  • Quiet and Contemplative Tone: Reflective poems typically have a calm, meditative tone, inviting readers to pause and reflect alongside the poet.

Reflective poetry provides a unique avenue for exploring the poet’s inner world, inviting readers to engage in their own reflections as they journey through the verses.