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"I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" is an 1804 poem by William Wordsworth. It was inspired by an April 15, 1802 event in which Wordsworth and his sister, Dorothy came across a "long belt" of daffodils. It was first published in 1807, and a revised version was released in 1815. In anthologies the poem is sometimes titled "The Daffodils".
Summary In this poem, the poet recounts his tale of chancing upon a long belt of daffodils. He is struck speechless by their sheer number and beauty. He says that they seem to be as numerous as the stars that shine in the sky. He also remarks on the beauty of the waves dancing next to them, though they are overshadowed by the daffodils. The effect that the daffodils had on the poet is similar to the effect of the maiden's song in "The Solitary Reaper" (another Wordswoth poem). Both are etched into his memory and soul to cherish forever. Some also think that the daffodils represent the human race. Wordsworth can watch the flowers, but has no control over men. I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud 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. | ||||||||
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