An Ode to the Rain

Name: An Ode to the Rain
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The poem expresses a speaker's conflicted feelings towards rain, personifying it as both a nuisance and a necessary element of nature. The speaker lies awake in the dark, listening to the rain, which disrupts their rest and creates a sense of frustration. Despite this annoyance, the speaker acknowledges the rain's importance and its dual nature—its ability to bring both sorrow and beauty. Throughout the stanzas, the speaker pleads with the rain to cease for just one day, emphasizing a desire for fair weather to enjoy a reunion with dear friends. The speaker reflects on the long-standing discomfort caused by the rain, suggesting a history of ill-fated encounters with it. However, there is a recognition of the rain's value, as the speaker admits that they could extol its virtues in writing, yet still yearns for a break from its presence. The poem captures a moment of longing for connection and the need for a temporary reprieve from the rain to facilitate meaningful interactions with loved ones. The speaker's tone oscillates between irritation and appreciation, ultimately revealing a deep understanding of the rain's role in life. The repeated refrain to "go away" underscores the urgency of the moment, while the closing lines convey a willingness to embrace the rain in the future, highlighting the complexity of human emotions towards nature.

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1798 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Poetry · 861 words

First lines

COMPOSED BEFORE DAYLIGHT, ON THE MORNING APPOINTED FOR THE DEPARTURE OF A VERY WORTHY, BUT NOT VERY PLEASANT VISITOR, WHOM IT WAS FEARED THE RAIN MIGHT DETAIN.

I. I know it is dark; and though I have lain, Awake, as I guess, an hour or twain, I have not once open'd the lids of my eyes, But I lie in the dark, as a blind man lies. O Rain! that I lie listening to, You're but a doleful sound at best: I owe you little thanks,'tis true, For breaking thus my needful rest! Yet if, as soon as it is light, O Rain! you will but take your flight, I'll neither rail, nor malice keep, Though sick and sore for want of sleep. But only now, for this one day, Do go, dear Rain! do go away!

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An Ode to the Rain is listed on Textopian as a poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, dated 1798 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Date: 1798 CE
Language: English
Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Poetry, Humor, Reflective Poetry
Length: 861 words
Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts about rain, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Romanticism — The themes of nature and emotional expression align with Romantic ideals.
Nature Poetry — The focus on rain and its effects on the speaker highlights the connection to nature.
Humor — The playful tone and light-hearted complaints about rain introduce elements of humor.