The Mill-Pond by Edward Thomas
The poem captures a moment of reflection and nostalgia, set against the backdrop of a mill-pond during a thunderstorm. The speaker describes the vivid imagery of nature, contrasting the brightness of a wagtail with the ominous gloom of the pond. The thunder serves as a distant reminder of nature's power, while the sounds of starlings and the rushing stream create a lively atmosphere. As the speaker dangles their feet in the water, a girl dressed in white appears, evoking a sense of surprise and past emotions. Her presence triggers memories of anger and longing, suggesting a complex relationship. The storm intensifies, prompting the speaker to seek shelter, yet the girl’s beauty and kindness remain etched in their mind. The work explores themes of memory, the passage of time, and the interplay between nature and human emotion. The juxtaposition of the storm's ferocity with the serene beauty of the girl highlights the tension between chaos and tranquility. Ultimately, the poem reflects on how fleeting moments can leave lasting impressions, intertwining personal history with the natural world.
By Edward Thomas · First published 1908 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Romanticism · 140 words
First lines
The sun blazed while the thunder yet Added a boom:
A wagtail flickered bright over The mill-pond's gloom:
Less than the cooing in the alder Isles of the pool Sounded the thunder through that plunge Of waters cool.
Scared starlings on the aspen tip Past the black mill Outchattered the stream and the next roar Far on the hill.
What this Textopian page supports
The Mill-Pond is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edward Thomas, dated 1908 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: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Romanticism, Pastoral, Symbolism
- Length: 140 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- The Sea At Sunset Can Reflect by Edna St Vincent Millay
- Birds Nests by Edward Thomas
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- Rain by Madison Cawein
- Ode To Silence by Edna St Vincent Millay
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem's focus on personal emotion and vivid imagery aligns it closely with the characteristics of lyric poetry.
- Nature Poetry — The poem extensively describes natural elements, such as the mill-pond and weather, emphasizing the relationship between nature and human experience.
- Romanticism — The themes of nostalgia, emotion, and the beauty of nature reflect the ideals of Romantic literature.
- Pastoral — The setting and themes evoke a pastoral quality, highlighting rural life and the simplicity of nature.
Tags
Nature · Poetry · Rural Life · Solitude · Reflection · Meditation · Peaceful · Serene · Idyllic · Simple · Pure · Innocent