Written in very Early Youth by William Wordsworth

Written in very Early Youth by William Wordsworth. “Written in Very Early Youth” is a reflective sonnet by William Wordsworth, composed in 1786 and later published in 1807. Initially categorized under Miscellaneous Sonnets, it was later placed under Poems Written in Youth in 1845. Though its title suggests it was written in Wordsworth’s early years, its final version likely belongs to a later period. The poem exemplifies Wordsworth’s deep connection with nature and his introspective approach to emotions and memory.

Also Read: Poets and Poetry Page | Biography of William Wordsworth | Poems by William Wordsworth | Famous Quotes by William Wordsworth

Calm is all nature as a resting wheel.
The kine are couched upon the dewy grass;
The horse alone, seen dimly as I pass,
Is cropping audibly his later meal:
Dark is the ground; a slumber seems to steal
O’er vale, and mountain, and the starless sky.
Now, in this blank of things, a harmony,
Home-felt, and home-created, comes to heal
That grief for which the senses still supply
Fresh food; for only then, when memory
Is hushed, am I at rest. My Friends! restrain
Those busy cares that would allay my pain;
Oh! leave me to myself, nor let me feel
The officious touch that makes me droop again
_{~ Written in very Early Youth by William Wordsworth}

Meaning of the Poem Written in very Early Youth

In the poem, Wordsworth describes a serene, tranquil night scene in nature. He observes the quiet stillness of the surroundings—the cows resting on the dew-covered grass, and the lone horse softly munching its late meal. Everything is dark, and the atmosphere seems to be wrapped in slumber, with nature at peace.

The poet then reflects on how this peaceful scene contrasts with the turmoil in his own heart. He mentions how he experiences a sense of internal harmony when the chaos of memory and sensory input is momentarily silenced. In this quietude, he finds relief from his grief, suggesting that true peace comes only when he is left alone with his thoughts, free from external distractions or comforting efforts from others. He implores his friends to refrain from interfering with his pain, as their well-meaning actions only seem to aggravate it. The poet expresses the need for solitude to heal and find rest.

Analysis of the Poem Written in very Early Youth

The poem is a reflection on the healing power of solitude and nature. Wordsworth contrasts the external calm of nature with his internal sorrow, showing that while the world around him is still and serene, his mind is restless and burdened by grief. The poet seeks solace in nature, but only when he is free from external distractions and interventions.

Nature as a metaphor: The imagery of a resting wheel, the dewy grass, and the darkened ground all contribute to the image of nature in a state of quiet repose. This serves as a metaphor for the poet’s desire for calm, peace, and rest from the incessant turmoil of thoughts and memories.
The role of memory and grief: Wordsworth suggests that his grief is sustained by his memories, and only when memory is hushed can he find peace. This idea points to the internal conflict between the past (memories) and the present (peace in nature), implying that healing requires freedom from the chains of the past.
A plea for solitude: The poet’s plea for solitude is central to the poem’s emotional depth. By asking his friends to leave him alone, Wordsworth reveals his belief that healing cannot come through social interaction or external help. Instead, peace must come from within, in the quiet of solitude.
The speaker’s internal harmony: The “home-felt, and home-created harmony” that heals the poet’s grief is significant. It suggests that true peace arises not from the world outside but from the poet’s internal world, where a sense of balance and harmony can be restored.

This sonnet, while simple in its description of nature, reveals deep philosophical musings about the nature of suffering, memory, and the human need for peace and solitude. Wordsworth’s message is one of self-reliance in times of grief and the importance of connecting with one’s inner self to find true rest.

Summary of the Poem Written in very Early Youth

The poem captures a tranquil night scene where nature appears calm and restful. The dewy grass, the quiet cattle, and the faintly visible horse create a peaceful atmosphere. Despite the external serenity, the poet reveals his inner grief, which is momentarily soothed by a harmony that arises from within. Wordsworth expresses that true peace comes only when memories and thoughts are silenced. He pleads with his friends to let him be alone with his emotions rather than attempting to comfort him, as their well-meaning efforts only deepen his sorrow. Through this sonnet, Wordsworth explores themes of solitude, introspection, and the healing power of nature in contrast to human intervention.