A Sketch

Author: William Wordsworth

The little hedgerow birds,
That peck along the road, regard him not.
He travels on, and in his face, his step,
His gait, is one expression; every limb,
His look and bending figure, all bespeak
A man who does not move with pain, but moves
With thought.—He is insensibly subdued
To settled quiet: he is one by whom
All effort seems forgotten; one to whom
Long patience hath such mild composure given,
That patience now doth seem a thing, of which
He hath no need. He is by nature led
To peace so perfect, that the young behold
With envy, what the old man hardly feels.
—I asked him whence he came, and he replied,
"That river by the village church was mine;
That pasture-ground, and the smooth field, before
It was a pasture, where the flocks are fed,
Had been my father's—it was mine. But these
Are of the world of change, and fade away;
Not so the kindness that is on the mind,
Nor these weak terrors to a man like me,
A terrible, but lovelier thing than any
Can fear or feel of pain or pleasure, I have lost."
—He ceased, and would have left the place; but I,
Who loved the old man, loved the narrative,
And made him sit beside me, while he yet
Shall have his leave to speak. I will preserve
These memories; and let them keep my soul
For ever kind and unrepining.
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Type of Poem: Narrative Poem

Date Written: 1800-01-01

Date Published: 1800-01-01

Language: English

Keywords: Reflection, Nature, Memory, Peace, Old Age

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher: W.Wordsworth

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: A narrative poem where Wordsworth describes an encounter with an old man who reflects on the passage of time, the loss of material possessions, and the lasting peace that comes with acceptance and memory, capturing the quiet dignity of old age.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.