Sung on a by-Way by George William Russell
The poem "Sung on a By-Way" by George William Russell is about the beauty of nature and the joy it brings to those who take the time to appreciate it. The speaker describes walking through a forest and hearing birds singing, feeling the warmth of the sun, and seeing flowers blooming. He encourages others to do the same and find peace in the natural world.
By George William Russell · First published 1903 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Symbolism · 137 words
First lines
What of all the will to do?
It has vanished long ago, / For a dream-shaft pierced it through / From the Unknown Archer's bow.
What of all the soul to think?
Some one offered it a cup / Filled with a diviner drink, / And the flame has burned it up.
What this Textopian page supports
Sung on a by-Way is listed on Textopian as a poem by George William Russell, dated 1903 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: George William Russell
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Symbolism, Mysticism
- Length: 137 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Sung on a by-Way by George William Russell
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles
- A Poet Of Shadows by George William Russell
- Day by George William Russell
- Dawn by George William Russell
- The Midnight Blossom by George William Russell
- The Divine Vision by George William Russell
- The Parting Of Ways by George William Russell
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential questions and the nature of will, soul, hope, and love.
- Symbolism — The use of metaphor and symbolic language, such as 'Unknown Archer's bow' and 'diviner drink,' suggests a symbolic interpretation.
- Mysticism — The text hints at mystical experiences and transcendental ideas, particularly in the context of the soul and divine elements.
Tags
poetry · Irish literature · nature · spirituality · mythology · imagination · symbolism · romanticism · philosophy · self-discovery · transcendence · folk themes