After A Tempestuous Voyage. (At Tynemouth Priory)

By William Lisle Bowles

Sonnet
    As slow I climb the cliff's ascending side,     Much musing on the track of terror past,     When o'er the dark wave rode the howling blast,     Pleased I look back, and view the tranquil tide     That laves the pebbled shore: and now the beam     Of evening smiles on the gray battlement,     And yon forsaken tower that time has rent:     The lifted oar far off with transient gleam     Is touched, and hushed is all the billowy deep!     Soothed by the scene, thus on tired Nature's breast     A stillness slowly steals, and kindred rest;     While sea-sounds lull her, as she sinks to sleep,     Like melodies that mourn upon the lyre,     Waked by the breeze, and, as they mourn, expire!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem evokes a deep sense of tranquility and reflection through its vivid descriptions of nature and the passage of time. The poet uses the metaphor of a journey up a cliff to represent overcoming adversities, with the 'track of terror past' suggesting prior struggles. This journey is contrasted with the peaceful imagery of the 'tranquil tide' and the 'evening smiles on the gray battlement', offering a sense of solace and relief.

The poem's tone is contemplative and somber, yet ultimately soothing. The 'billowy deep' becoming hushed and the 'soothed' nature sinking into sleep imply a resolution or acceptance found through reflection. The final lines with the melancholic melody of the lyre, mourning yet expiring with the breeze, beautifully encapsulate the theme of transience, suggesting that both hardship and tranquility are fleeting.

The poem's structure, a sonnet, provides a strong rhythmic foundation that carries the reader through the poet's emotional journey. The use of enjambment allows for a seamless flow of ideas, reinforcing the introspective nature of the poem. Notably, the poet employs rich imagery and personification, as seen in 'tired Nature's breast' and the 'howling blast', to create an immersive atmosphere and to convey the interconnectedness of the individual with the larger natural world. The combination of these elements results in a poignant exploration of adversity, peace, and the ephemeral nature of 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.