Best Times by Thomas Hardy (1913)
The work explores themes of nostalgia, fleeting moments, and the inevitability of change. It reflects on a series of memories shared between two individuals, capturing the beauty and transience of their experiences together. The narrator recalls a day spent by a stream, emphasizing the joy and simplicity of the moment, unaware that such happiness would not last. As the narrative unfolds, the speaker reflects on various encounters, including a rainy night arrival and a serene evening spent together. Each memory is tinged with a sense of foreboding, as the speaker grapples with the realization that these cherished moments may never be repeated. The imagery evokes a sense of longing and the bittersweet nature of reminiscence, highlighting the contrast between the past's vibrancy and the present's uncertainty. The work ultimately conveys a poignant message about the passage of time and the fragility of human connections, urging readers to appreciate the beauty of fleeting experiences while acknowledging their impermanence. The emotional depth and lyrical quality of the writing enhance the exploration of these universal themes, making it a reflective meditation on life and love.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1913 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Nostalgia · 202 words
First lines
WE went a day's excursion to the stream, Basked by the bank, and bent to the ripple-gleam, And I did not know That life would show, However it might flower, no finer glow.
I walked in the Sunday sunshine by the road That wound towards the wicket of your abode, And I did not think That life would shrink To nothing ere it shed a rosier pink.
Unlooked for I arrived on a rainy night, And you hailed me at the door by the swaying light, And I full forgot That life might not Again be touching that ecstatic height.
And that calm eve when you walked up the stair, After a gaiety prolonged and rare, No thought soever That you might never Walk down again, struck me as I stood there.
What this Textopian page supports
Best Times is listed on Textopian as a poem by Thomas Hardy, dated 1913 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Thomas Hardy
- Date: 1913 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Nostalgia, Nature Writing, Philosophical Poetry
- Length: 202 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Best Times by Thomas Hardy
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work exhibits a strong focus on personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of nature, beauty, and emotional depth align with Romantic ideals.
- Nostalgia — The poem reflects on past experiences and the passage of time, evoking a sense of longing.
- Nature Writing — The vivid descriptions of natural settings emphasize the connection between human emotions and the natural world.
Tags
nostalgia · memory · youth · regret · love · loss · time · change · nature · rural · relationships · identity