Sitting on the Bridge
The poem reflects on a nostalgic moment experienced by a group of young people sitting on a bridge, where they sing a lively song. The scene is set against the backdrop of a military barracks, suggesting a connection to soldiers and the themes of youth, longing, and the passage of time. The carefree spirit of the singers is interrupted by a paternal figure who admonishes them for their frivolity, emphasizing the tension between youthful exuberance and adult responsibility. As the narrative unfolds, the poem contemplates the fate of a soldier who may be far away, engaged in battle or perhaps living a different life. The imagery evokes a sense of loss and uncertainty, as the speaker wonders whether the soldier remembers the joyful moments shared on the bridge. The refrain of the song highlights a yearning for connection and the fleeting nature of youth, underscoring the bittersweet reality of growing up and the inevitable separation that comes with it. The poem captures the essence of nostalgia, reflecting on the innocence of youth and the impact of war on personal lives. It juxtaposes the vibrancy of the past with the somber possibilities of the future, leaving the reader to ponder the enduring effects of time and memory. The bridge serves as a metaphorical space where moments of joy and sorrow intersect, illustrating the complexities of human experience.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism · 380 words
First lines
(_Echo of an old song_)
SITTING on the bridge Past the barracks, town and ridge, At once the spirit seized us To sing a song that pleased us- As "The Fifth" were much in rumour; It was "Whilst I'm in the humour, Take me, Paddy, will you now? " And a lancer soon drew nigh, And his Royal Irish eye Said, "Willing, faith, am I, O, to take you anyhow, dears, To take you anyhow."
What this Textopian page supports
Sitting on the Bridge is listed on Textopian as a poem by Thomas Hardy, dated 1917 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: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism, War Literature, Narrative
- Length: 380 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Sitting on the Bridge 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
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Sitting on the Bridge?
- How does this poem by Thomas Hardy fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Selfsame Song by Thomas Hardy
- Before Life And After by Thomas Hardy
- A Week by Thomas Hardy
- The Going by Thomas Hardy
- After The Visit by Thomas Hardy
- On A Discovered Curl Of Hair by Thomas Hardy
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and rhythm.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of nostalgia, nature, and personal experience align with Romantic literary ideals.
- War Literature — The poem references soldiers and the impact of war on personal lives, reflecting on themes of loss and longing.
Tags
love · loss · nature · reflection · solitude · regret · memory · time · relationships · identity · change · nostalgia