Southampton Water

By William Lisle Bowles

Sonnet
    Smooth went our boat upon the summer seas,     Leaving, for so it seemed, the world behind,     Its sounds of mingled uproar: we, reclined     Upon the sunny deck, heard but the breeze     That o'er us whispering passed, or idly played     With the lithe flag aloft. A woodland scene     On either side drew its slope line of green,     And hung the water's shining edge with shade.     Above the woods, Netley! thy ruins pale     Peered as we passed; and Vecta's[1] azure hue     Beyond the misty castle[2] met our view;     Where in mid channel hung the scarce seen sail.     So all was calm and sunshine as we went     Cheerily o'er the briny element.     Oh! were this little boat to us the world,     As thus we wandered far from sounds of care,     Circled by friends and gentle maidens fair,     Whilst morning airs the waving pennant curled;     How sweet were life's long voyage, till in peace     We gained that haven still, where all things cease!

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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 lyrical reflection on the theme of escape and tranquility, juxtaposing the serene voyage on a boat with the chaotic uproar of the world left behind. The tone is predominantly peaceful and idyllic, evoking a sense of tranquility and yearning for a simpler life. This is conveyed through the vivid natural imagery and sensory language, such as "the breeze that o'er us whispering passed," and the "slope line of green," which immerse the reader in the tranquil scene.

The poem's structure is in the form of a sonnet with a Petrarchan or Italian rhyme scheme. This traditional form enhances the poem's thematic exploration of escape and tranquility, allowing the poet to build a complete, self-contained world within the sonnet's 14 lines. Standout literary devices include personification ("morning airs the waving pennant curled") and the use of specific place names ("Netley," "Vecta's") to ground the poem in a particular geographical reality, adding depth and authenticity to the speaker's escape. The concluding lines express a longing for life's journey to be as serene as this boat trip, ending in a peaceful haven. In this way, the poem can be read as a profound reflection on life and the human desire for peace and simplicity.

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.