Behold her, single in the field, Yon solitary Highland Lass! Reaping and singing by herself; Stop here, or gently pass! Alone she cuts and binds the grain, And sings a melancholy strain; O listen! for the Vale profound Is overflowing with the sound. No Nightingale did ever chant More welcome notes to weary bands Of travellers in some shady haunt, Among Arabian sands: A voice so thrilling ne'er was heard In spring-time from the Cuckoo-bird, Breaking the silence of the seas Among the farthest Hebrides. Will no one tell me what she sings?-- Perhaps the plaintive numbers flow For old, unhappy, far-off things, And battles long ago: Or is it some more humble lay, Familiar matter of to-day? Some natural sorrow, loss, or pain, That has been, and may be again? Whate'er the theme, the Maiden sang As if her song could have no ending; I saw her singing at her work, And o'er the sickle bending;-- I listened, motionless and still; And, as I mounted up the hill, The music in my heart I bore, Long after it was heard no more. William Wordsworth Wordsworth is a brilliant poet who could give extraordinary touches to ordinary things. I love this poem of his which talks about a lady who was reaping all alone. The whole poem is thoroughly enjoyable. I love the way he says ,"Either listen to the reapers song silently or just move on without disturbing her." I also like the part where he tries to guess what the content of the song must be. The last two lines are the best of the lot . Nobody else could have said it better. How well he expresses that the music remained etched in his heart for so long after he had heard it. Amazing poet.
we can almost visualize the solitary reaper and her singing. Thanks for sharing this wonderful poem. I rarely find time now a days to go through poems . Your post brought back those days when books were a constant companion
Hi Vidyacvn My respectful salute for posting this; I love each and every line of this masterpiece! Went back to school days! My fav lines!.... I'm mesmerized every time I interpret lines from this romantic poet. This ballad exemplifies that if well written simple words and plain language can create a magnum opus, which will be broadly accepted both by the masses and classes! Sorry for dragging on, such is the magic created; Daffodils, yet another of his inspirational poem!!!..... Imagine the feeling of moving lonely among the clouds, viewing a field of daffodils; a few lines in this poem were contributed by his wife….. the height of romanticism I must say! I remain obliged to you for posting this! Mega
yeah. we can almost visualise the scene. such is the talent of the great poet. i think we should make time to go through poems like these more often.