Author: Algernon Charles Swinburne
Stately stand the sunflowers, glowing down the garden-side, Ranged in royal rank arow along the warm grey wall, Whence their deep disks burn at rich midnoon afire with pride, Even as though their beams indeed were sunbeams, and the tall Sceptral stems bore stars whose reign endures, not flowers that fall. Lowlier laughs and basks the kindlier flower of homelier fame, Held by love the sweeter that it blooms in Shakespeares name, Fragrant yet as though his hand had touched and made it thrill, Like the whole worlds heart, with warm new life and gladdening flame. Fair befall the fair green close that lies below the mill! Softlier here the flower-soft feet of refluent seasons glide, Lightlier breathes the long low note of changes gentler call. Wind and storm and landslip feed the lone seas gulf outside, Half a seamews first flight hence; but scarce may these appal Peace, whose perfect seal is set for signet here on all. Steep and deep and sterile, under fields no plough can tame, Dip the cliffs full-fledged with poppies red as love or shame, Wide wan daisies bleak and bold, or herbage harsh and chill; Here the full clove pinks and wallflowers crown the love they claim. Fair befall the fair green close that lies below the mill! All the place breathes low, but not for fear lest ill betide, Soft as roses answering roses, or a doves recall. Little heeds it how the seaward banks may stoop and slide, How the winds and years may hold all outer things in thrall, How their wrath may work on hoar church tower and boundary wall. Far and wide the waste and ravin of their rule proclaim Change alone the changeless lord of things, alone the same: Here a flower is stronger than the winds that work their will, Or the years that wing their way through darkness toward their aim. Fair befall the fair green close that lies below the mill! Friend, the home that smiled us welcome hither when we came, When we pass again with summer, surely should reclaim Somewhat given of hearts thanksgiving more than words fulfil More than song, were song more sweet than all but love, might frame. Fair befall the fair green close that lies below the mill!
Type of Poem: Ballad
Date Written:
Date Published:
Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher:
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Comments/Notes: This poem is a vivid exploration of the themes of nature, change, and endurance, juxtaposing the bold sunflowers, emblematic of pride and grandeur, with the homely flower named for Shakespeare, which offers a more humble, comforting presence. The poet's use of imagery, particularly in the description of the sunflowers as royal and stately, imbues the piece with a regal, almost majestic tone that contrasts with the more familiar, intimate qualities of the other flower.
The poem employs a consistent, rhythmic structure, enhancing its lyrical qualities and reinforcing the cyclical nature of the seasons and the enduring strength of nature, despite the inevitable changes it undergoes. The repetition of the line "Fair befall the fair green close that lies below the mill!" serves as an anchor, grounding the poem and imbuing it with a sense of stability amidst change. The personification of peace, wind, storm, and the years inject life and personality into the poem, while the metaphor of a flower being stronger than the winds and years conveys the indomitable spirit of nature.
The poet's use of vibrant and varied language, from "deep disks burn at rich midnoon afire with pride" to "Wind and storm and landslip feed the lone seas gulf outside," paints a dynamic, vivid picture of the landscape. This, together with the powerful themes and rhythmic structure, results in a poem that is both visually striking and emotionally resonant, an ode to the enduring power and beauty of nature.
A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.
Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:
From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.