An Old Song by Edward Thomas (1917)
The poem reflects on themes of nostalgia, longing, and the passage of time, using vivid imagery of nature and the sea. The speaker observes a tranquil sunset, where the sea mirrors the sky, creating a serene atmosphere. This peaceful setting contrasts with the internal conflict of the speaker, who grapples with the allure of adventure and the consequences of a roving lifestyle. As the speaker walks along the shore, they are captivated by the beauty around them, symbolized by the light that connects the land and sea. This moment of clarity leads to a realization about the futility of their past pursuits, encapsulated in the refrain about ceasing to roam. The repeated lines emphasize a sense of resignation and acceptance of the speaker's choices, suggesting that the thrill of adventure has led to personal ruin. The poem also incorporates a sailors' song, which adds a layer of complexity to the speaker's reflections. The juxtaposition of merriment and the darker undertones of the song highlights the tension between desire and consequence. The mention of a maid in Amsterdam serves as a metaphor for lost opportunities and the seductive nature of temptation. Ultimately, the work captures a moment of introspection, where the beauty of the external world prompts a deeper contemplation of one's life choices and the inevitability of settling down. The speaker's journey is both physical and emotional, leading to a poignant conclusion about the end of a chapter in their life.
By Edward Thomas · First published 1917 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Narrative Poetry · 254 words
First lines
The sun set, the wind fell, the sea Was like a mirror shaking:
The one small wave that clapped the land A mile-long snake of foam was making Where tide had smoothed and wind had dried The vacant sand.
A light divided the swollen clouds And lay most perfectly Like a straight narrow footbridge bright That crossed over the sea to me;
And no one else in the whole world Saw that same sight.
What this Textopian page supports
An Old Song is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edward Thomas, dated 1917 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Edward Thomas
- Date: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Narrative Poetry, Nature Poetry, Ballad
- Length: 254 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem's focus on personal emotion and imagery aligns it closely with the characteristics of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of nature, individual experience, and emotional depth reflect the ideals of Romantic literature.
- Narrative Poetry — The poem tells a story through its verses, incorporating elements of narrative structure.
- Nature Poetry — The vivid descriptions of the natural landscape emphasize the beauty and tranquility of nature.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Imagery · Symbolism · Nostalgia · Melancholy · Longing · Memory · Loss · Grief · Solitude · Isolation