William Wordsworth

September 1815

September 1815 - meaning Summary

Autumn's Anticipatory Voice

Wordsworth observes an early autumn scene where ripening fields and sunny weather are undercut by a sharp, foreign chill that warns of approaching winter. The poem contrasts summer's ease with a seasonal summons to readiness, but the speaker finds reassurance: the autumnal rustle and clear sky inspire renewed poetic impulse. Rather than melancholy decay, the change promises fresh creative energy and elevated concern beyond summer's idleness.

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WHILE not a leaf seems faded; while the fields, With ripening harvest prodigally fair, In brightest sunshine bask; this nipping air, Sent from some distant clime where Winter wields His icy scimitar, a foretaste yields Of bitter change, and bids the flowers beware; And whispers to the silent birds, "Prepare Against the threatening foe your trustiest shields." For me, who under kindlier laws belong To Nature's tuneful quire, this rustling dry Through leaves yet green, and yon crystalline sky, Announce a season potent to renew, 'Mid frost and snow, the instinctive joys of song, And nobler cares than listless summer knew.

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