To Nature by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Name: To Nature
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The work explores the profound connection between nature and spirituality, emphasizing the joy and solace found in the natural world. The speaker reflects on the beauty of creation, suggesting that even in the simplest elements—leaves, flowers, and the sky—there are lessons of love and piety. This connection is portrayed as a source of deep, heartfelt joy that transcends skepticism and mockery from the wider world. The speaker expresses a desire to create a personal sanctuary in nature, where the elements serve as symbols of worship. The altar built in the fields and the sky as a dome signify a rejection of traditional religious structures in favor of a more intimate, personal relationship with the divine. The fragrance of wildflowers becomes an offering, highlighting the idea that even humble acts of devotion are meaningful. Throughout the work, there is a tension between the perceived phantasy of finding spiritual significance in nature and the genuine experience of joy it brings. The speaker embraces this belief, asserting that it brings neither fear nor confusion, but rather a sense of peace and purpose. The act of worship is redefined, suggesting that nature itself can be a source of divine connection and inspiration. The themes of reverence for the natural world, the search for meaning, and the personal nature of spirituality are woven throughout the verses. The speaker's commitment to this belief system is unwavering, as they find fulfillment in the beauty and lessons offered by nature. The work ultimately champions the idea that true spirituality can be found outside conventional religious practices, rooted instead in the appreciation of the world around us.

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1834 · Genre: Romanticism, Nature Poetry, Spiritual Poetry · 169 words

First lines

It may indeed be phantasy: when I Essay to draw from all created things Deep, heartfelt, inward joy that closely clings; And trace in leaves and flowers that round me lie Lessons of love and earnest piety. So let it be; and if the wide world rings In mock of this belief, it brings Nor fear, nor grief, nor vain, perplexity. So will I build my altar in the fields, And the blue sky my fretted dome shall be, And the sweet fragrance that the wild flower yields Shall be the incense I will yield to Thee, Thee only God! and thou shalt not despise Even me, the priest of this poor sacrifice.

What this Textopian page supports

To Nature is listed on Textopian as a poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, dated 1834 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Date: 1834 CE
Language: English
Genres: Romanticism, Nature Poetry, Spiritual Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Philosophical Poetry
Length: 169 words
Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for To Nature by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
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 To Nature?
How does this poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Romanticism first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Romanticism — The poem embodies the Romantic ideals of nature, emotion, and individual spirituality.
Nature Poetry — The work focuses on the beauty and lessons derived from nature, a central theme in nature poetry.
Spiritual Poetry — The poem expresses a deep spiritual connection to nature and a personal relationship with the divine.
Lyric Poetry — The poem is personal and emotional, characteristic of lyric poetry, focusing on the poet's feelings and thoughts.