Poetry Sunday: I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud by William Wordsworth

This is quite a well-known poem, unlike many that I feature here. Well-known and well-loved. I remember it, and perhaps you do too, from high school days. Wordsworth was a popular and easy introduction to poetry. He's also pretty good, as I'm sure you will agree. 

I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud

by William Wordsworth
I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o’er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed—and gazed—but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:
For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

Comments

  1. It is a lovely poem, oft repeated, known by many, uplifting and easy to recite. About a year ago I took an online course on William Wordsworth, something quite different for me, but very enjoyable.

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    Replies
    1. He is a very accessible and relatable poet and there's something to be said for that.

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  2. It is popular but, as you say, it is very good. It is perfect for spring. Thanks for sharing.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, this seems the perfect poem for this time of year.

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  3. Didn't read this in high school but I enjoyed it now. I love daffodils and I also think this was a perfect poem for this tie of the daffodils. They are in full bloom where I live.

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    Replies
    1. They bloomed here several weeks ago, but it is their time in much of the northern hemisphere and would have been their time in Wordsworth's part of the world.

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  4. wonderful to see this again. Thanks. Stay safe. Cheers

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    Replies
    1. Comfort poetry. Sometimes it is just what we need.

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