The poem describes the serene and enchanting atmosphere of New College Gardens, Oxford, where the narrator feels a deep connection to the past. The gardens are portrayed as a place where time stands still, where the shadows of autumn leaves and the whispers of morning secrets evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing. The narrator is drawn to the ghosts of those who walked in the garden before, finding comfort in their shared experience. The poem also touches on the theme of lost youth and the pain that accompanies growing older, with the "immortal thorny rose" symbolizing the enduring power of memories and emotions rooted in the hearts of those who have walked in the garden.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1906 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Historical