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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


COMPOSED DURING A STORM by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH

Poet Analysis

First Line: ONE WHO WAS SUFFERING TUMULT IN HIS SOUL
Last Line: OF PROVIDENTIAL GOODNESS EVER NIGH!

ONE who was suffering tumult in his soul,
Yet failed to seek the sure relief of prayer,
Went forth -- his course surrendering to the care
Of the fierce wind, while mid-day lightnings prowl
Insidiously, untimely thunders growl;
While trees, dim-seen, in frenzied numbers, tear
The lingering remnant of their yellow hair,
And shivering wolves, surprised with darkness, howl
As if the sun were not. He raised his eye
Soul-smitten; for, that instant, did appear
Large space ('mid dreadful clouds) of purest sky,
An azure disc -- shield of Tranquillity;
Invisible, unlooked-for, minister
Of providential goodness ever nigh!





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