Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

OVERLOOKING THE RIVER STOUR by THOMAS HARDY

Poet Analysis

First Line: THE SWALLOWS FLEW IN THE CURVES OF AN EIGHT
Last Line: THESE LESS THINGS HOLD MY GAZE!
Subject(s): ENGLAND; RIVERS; STOUR (RIVER), ENGLAND; ENGLISH;
THE swallows flew in the curves of an eight
Above the river-gleam
In the wet June's last beam:
Like little crossbows animate
The swallows flew in the curves of an eight
Above the river-gleam.

Planing up shavings of crystal spray
A moor-hen darted out
From the bank thereabout,
And through the stream-shine ripped his way;
Planing up shavings of crystal spray
A moor-hen darted out.

Closed were the kingcups; and the mead
Dripped in monotonous green,
Though the day's morning sheen
Had shown it golden and honeybee'd;
Closed were the kingcups; and the mead
Dripped in monotonous green.

And never I turned my head, alack,
While these things met my gaze
Through the pane's drop-drenched glaze,
To see the more behind my back....
O never I turned, but let, alack,
These less things hold my gaze!



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