But these Things Also
The poem reflects on the transition from winter to spring, emphasizing the coexistence of both seasons. It begins by acknowledging the remnants of winter, such as dead grass and bleached snail shells, which contrast with the emerging signs of spring. The speaker observes the small details of nature, like flint chips and bird droppings, highlighting the often-overlooked aspects of the landscape. As the speaker searches for signs of spring, they mistakenly identify white objects as early violets, symbolizing a longing for renewal amidst the lingering cold. The presence of starling flocks serves as a reminder of life and resilience, as they chatter in the mist, maintaining their spirits despite the harshness of the season. The poem captures the tension between hope and reality, illustrating the struggle to find beauty and meaning in a world still marked by winter's influence. Overall, the work conveys a deep appreciation for nature's subtleties and the cyclical nature of life, where the past and present coexist, and the promise of spring is both a comfort and a challenge.
By Edward Thomas · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Lyrical · 113 words
First lines
But these things also are Spring's -- On banks by the roadside the grass Long-dead that is greyer now Than all the Winter it was;
The shell of a little snail bleached In the grass; chip of flint, and mite Of chalk; and the small birds' dung In splashes of purest white:
All the white things a man mistakes For earliest violets Who seeks through Winter's ruins Something to pay Winter's debts, While the North blows, and starling flocks By chattering on and on Keep their spirits up in the mist, And Spring's here, Winter's not gone.
What this Textopian page supports
But these Things Also 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: Poetry, Nature Writing, Lyrical, Imagism, Modernism
- Length: 113 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Confusing
Good citation fit
- Work identity for But these Things Also by Edward Thomas
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering But these Things Also?
- How does this poem by Edward Thomas fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- How At Once by Edward Thomas
- It Was Upon by Edward Thomas
- Eel Grass by Edna St Vincent Millay
- Lines by Madison Cawein
- Weeds by Edna St Vincent Millay
- Theres Nothing Like The Sun by Edward Thomas
Genres
- Poetry — The work is a poem that employs vivid imagery and explores themes of nature and the transition between seasons.
- Nature Writing — The poem focuses on natural elements and the observation of the environment, reflecting on the beauty and complexity of the natural world.
- Lyrical — The writing style is expressive and emotional, characteristic of lyrical poetry that conveys personal feelings and reflections.
- Imagism — The poem uses precise visual images to evoke emotions and ideas, aligning with the principles of Imagism.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Imagery · Symbolism · Metaphor · Simile · Alliteration · Assonance · Consonance · Free Verse · Stream-of-Consciousness · Realism