Catullus: XXXI by Thomas Hardy
The poem reflects on the speaker's return to Sirmione, a picturesque location by Lake Garda, after a period of absence. The speaker expresses deep affection for the place, describing it as a cherished haven that offers solace from the burdens of life. The imagery evokes a sense of nostalgia and joy, emphasizing the contrast between the speaker's previous experiences in foreign lands and the comfort found in familiar surroundings. The speaker's emotional connection to Sirmione is palpable, as they celebrate the beauty and tranquility of the landscape. The poem captures the relief and contentment that comes from returning to a beloved place, where worries dissipate and a sense of belonging is restored. The language is rich with sensory details, painting a vivid picture of the serene environment and the speaker's inner peace. As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the passage of time and the enduring nature of their affection for Sirmione. The themes of homecoming, nostalgia, and the restorative power of nature are central to the work. The speaker's longing for connection and the joy of rediscovery resonate throughout, culminating in a heartfelt tribute to the place that holds significant personal meaning. Overall, the poem serves as a meditation on the importance of place and memory, illustrating how certain locations can evoke profound emotions and serve as anchors in the midst of life's challenges. The speaker's return to Sirmione symbolizes a reconnection with their roots and a reaffirmation of the beauty found in familiar landscapes.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1898 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Elegy · 175 words
First lines
(After passing Sirmione, April 1887.)
SIRMIO, thou dearest dear of strands / That Neptune strokes in lake and sea, / With what high joy from stranger lands / Doth thy old friend set foot on thee! / Yea, barely seems it true to me / That no Bithynia holds me now, / But calmly and assuringly / Around me stretchest homely Thou.
Is there a scene more sweet than when / Our clinging cares are undercast, / And, worn by alien moils and men, / The long untrodden sill repassed, / We press the pined for couch at last, / And find a full repayment there? / Then hail, sweet Sirmio; thou that wast, / And art, mine own unrivalled Fair!
What this Textopian page supports
Catullus: XXXI is listed on Textopian as a poem by Thomas Hardy, dated 1898 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: 1898 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Elegy, Travel Literature, Classical Influence
- Length: 175 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Catullus: XXXI by Thomas Hardy
- 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
Similar titles
- A Thought From Propertius by W. B. Yeats
- He Vehemently Rebuts The Charge Of Loving Another S Il Dissi Mai Ch I Venga In Odio A Quella by Francesco Petrarca
- Quella Per Cui Con Sorga Ho Cangiat Arno by Francesco Petrarca
- Were My Bosom As False As Thou Deemst It To Be by Lord Byron
- Due Gran Nemiche Insieme Erano Aggiunte by Francesco Petrarca
- Amor Che Ncende L Cor D Ardente Zelo by Francesco Petrarca
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work is a personal expression of emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of nature, personal experience, and emotional depth align with Romantic literary ideals.
- Elegy — The poem reflects on nostalgia and longing, common elements in elegiac poetry.
- Travel Literature — The setting and exploration of Sirmione suggest elements of travel and place.
Tags
poetry · Latin literature · Roman poets · love · lyricism · elegy · classical themes · friendship · betrayal · emotion · historical context · metaphor