Upon a Sunday Morning
The work depicts a series of encounters between the speaker and Reuben over several Sundays, highlighting themes of love, commitment, and the passage of time. The narrative begins with the speaker enjoying a spring morning, where the sound of church bells sets a joyful tone. The speaker meets Reuben, who playfully blocks the path, suggesting a flirtatious interaction. As the story progresses, the speaker describes a Sunday evening filled with the sounds of bell ringing, symbolizing tradition and community. Reuben's insistence on the speaker's promise to meet again emphasizes his determination and the budding romance. The final encounter takes place in the church itself, where Reuben proposes with a golden ring, marking a significant moment of commitment and joy. Overall, the work captures the essence of love blossoming in a pastoral setting, intertwined with the rituals of Sunday worship and the significance of community bonds. The imagery of nature and the church serves to enhance the emotional depth of the relationship, culminating in a celebration of love and union.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1910 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Religious · 245 words
First lines
H. F. S. [Music]
1. Upon a Sunday morning, when Spring was in its prime, Along the Church-lane tripping, I heard the Church-bells chime, And there encountered Reuben, astride upon the stile, He blocked the way, so saucy, upon his lips a smile.
2. Upon a Sunday morning, there came a rush of bells, The wind was music-laden, in changeful fall and swells; He would not let me over, he held, he made me stay, And promise I would meet him again at close of day.
3. Upon a Sunday evening, the ringers in the tower, Were practising their changes, they rang for full an hour; And Reuben by me walking, would never let me go, Until a Yes I answered, he would not take a No.
What this Textopian page supports
Upon a Sunday Morning is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sabine Baring-Gould, dated 1910 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Sabine Baring-Gould
- Date: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Religious, Nature, Narrative
- Length: 245 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Upon a Sunday Morning by Sabine Baring-Gould
- 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 Upon a Sunday Morning?
- How does this poem by Sabine Baring-Gould fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Trinity Sunday by Sabine Baring Gould
- The Lovers Tasks by Sabine Baring Gould
- Bringing Home The Cows by Andrew Barton Paterson
- Primavera Mia by Sara Teasdale
- The Bonny Bunch Of Roses by Sabine Baring Gould
- Song by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around a romantic encounter and the development of a relationship.
- Religious — The setting and references to church bells and a chancel indicate a religious context.
- Nature — Descriptions of spring and the natural environment reflect themes of nature.
Tags
poetry · romance · Sunday · church · bells · spring · love · nature · tradition · meeting · commitment · celebration