Sunrise on the Hill by H. W. Longfellow
Stanza 1
The poet is on the hill. Early in the morning, he notices a brightened sky. He depicts the sky as “heaven’s wide arch.” The poet recognises that the sun has risen in the east. The sun’s beams are dropping everywhere. The “woods” are sparkling with sun beams. Strong winds, which the poet refers to as “gales,” are blowing softly in the sun-clad valley (“sun-clad vales”). Because the poet stands on top of the hill, he can see clouds below him. Even the sun’s beams enhance the beauty of the clouds. The poet has the impression that these clouds are encircling the trees. He even believes that the clouds are masking the beauty of the trees. However, the poet can see some of these trees’ pinnacles. As the clouds part, he realises that they are “blasted,” “bare,” and “cleft” pine trees. Finally, the clouds dissipate. The poet now notices a lovely valley blazing brightly beneath the hill. He intently examines the valley and notices a river whose water is clouded due to the “forest’s shade,” implying that the sun’s rays are not falling on the moving river. However, the sun’s rays illuminate the “white cascade.” It is morning at last. The poet can hear the bittern.
Stanza 2
The poet describes the sounds he hears and the sights he sees while standing on the hills at the start of the second stanza. He hears the rushing of water. Then he notices how the water whirls and flashes as a result of the water current. The water goes to a “blue” lake and finally to the “silver beach.” There are some trees that bend with a “reach.” Across the valley, one can hear “The music of the village bell,” which echoes across the hills. The sound of a “wild” horn can be heard all around the forest. Its voice drowns out the locals’ happy voices. As the stanza comes to a close, smoke rises from the valley below.
Stanza 3
In the third stanza, the poet suggests that if one is tired of worrying and has experienced trauma, nature can heal it. So it is preferable to travel. Nature has the power to heal one’s sorrows and agony. It will teach people valuable things like as compassion, empathy, living in the now, and so on. If a person is dissatisfied with his or her life, the poet advises that person to go on a journey that will renew and refresh his or her thoughts.
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