Composed in the Valley Near Dover
On The Day Of Landing
Composed in the Valley Near Dover - meaning Summary
Homecoming and National Joy
Wordsworth celebrates the immediate happiness of returning to England, grounding national love in simple, sensory details—the cock, smoke, bells, playing boys, waves, and Kentish grass. He acknowledges wider European troubles but deliberately sets them aside to savor an hour of perfect bliss with a dear companion. The poem frames patriotism as intimate, personal relief rather than public triumph. Tone is direct, grateful, and rooted in place.
Read Complete AnalysesHERE, on our native soil, we breathe once more. The cock that crows, the smoke that curls, that sound Of bells; those boys who in yon meadow-ground In white-sleeved shirts are playing; and the roar Of the waves breaking on the chalky shore;-- All, all are English. Oft have I looked round With joy in Kent's green vales; but never found Myself so satisfied in heart before. Europe is yet in bonds; but let that pass, Thought for another moment. Thou art free, My Country! and 'tis joy enough and pride For one hour's perfect bliss, to tread the grass Of England once again, and hear and see, With such a dear Companion at my side.
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