Featured Poem: 'Weathers', by Thomas Hardy
The British summer has a lot going for it if you happen to be a meteorologist or a poet. Thomas Hardy wrote a lot about weather, in his poetry and in his novels. The contrast between spring and autumn in these two stanzas is beautifully done, connecting the natural run of the seasons with the human (and animal) needs. For the next few weeks at least let’s have more of the weather the cuckoo likes.
Weathers
This is the weather the cuckoo likes,
And so do I;
When showers betumble the chestnut spikes,
And nestlings fly;
And the little brown nightingale bills his best,
And they sit outside at ‘The Traveller’s Rest,’
And maids come forth sprig-muslin drest,
And citizens dream of the south and west,
And so do I.
This is the weather the shepherd shuns,
And so do I;
When beeches drip in browns and duns,
And thresh and ply;
And hill-hid tides throb, throe on throe,
And meadow rivulets overflow,
And drops on gate bars hang in a row,
And rooks in families homeward go,
And so do I.
By Thomas Hardy
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Hello,
That’s a fantastic poem. For some reason it brings to mind a novel by Samuel Shem. He wrote “The House of God.” The novel I was thinking of was his latest one, “The Spirit of the Place.” Weather plays an intriguing character in this book as well.
I would even suggest looking at his web site http://www.samuelshem.com.
It’s well worth it.
Thank you for puting this poem on the website. I was having a conversation with my elderly aunt and she recalled that my uncle very much enjoyed this poem. She could only remember a couple of lines, – so now I have the poem! All the family were read poems when they were young, during the dark evenings of winter and they remember many -still – so many poems (and songs) which gave them pleasure.
Many thanks
Ah, what a poem. If you ever can, check out the recording Richard Burton made of Hardy’s poems. My throat fills up when I read this poem, but to hear that sonorous voice – the perfect voice for Hardy!
can i get the line wise summary of the poem…………for better explanation
I love this poem and find it very inspirational and flowing. Many thanks for putting this wonderful piece on the website!
Really glad you enjoyed it – hope it’s brightened up your day!