A Song after Sundown. the Wood-Notes of the Veer
The poem describes a serene evening scene where a veery's song fills the air after sundown. The speaker reflects on the beauty of nature and the fleeting moments of peace that can be found in the stillness of the night. The poem explores themes of tranquility, solitude, and the connection between humans and the natural world.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1907 · Genre: Poetry, Nature, Romantic · 256 words
First lines
_The moonbeams over Arno's vale in silver flood were pouring, When first I heard the nightingale a long-lost love deploring: So passionate, so full of pain, it sounded strange and eerie, I longed to hear a simpler strain, the wood-notes of the veery._
_The laverock sings a bonny lay, above the Scottish heather, It sprinkles from the dome of day like light and love together; He drops the golden notes to greet his brooding mate, his dearie; I only know one song more sweet, the vespers of the veery._
What this Textopian page supports
A Song after Sundown. the Wood-Notes of the Veery is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1907 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Henry Van Dyke
- Date: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature, Romantic, Pastoral
- Length: 256 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter to convey its themes.
- Nature — The poem prominently features natural imagery and themes, focusing on birds and landscapes.
- Romantic — The poem expresses deep emotions and longing, characteristic of romantic literature.
- Pastoral — The work idealizes rural and natural settings, a common trait of pastoral literature.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Literary · American · 19th Century · Symbolism · Imagery · Sensory Details · Mood · Atmosphere · Seasonal · Spring