Short summer poems, in particular, are a popular choice because they capture the essence of the season in just a few carefully chosen words. These brief yet evocative poems can convey the joy, serenity, and even the fleeting nature of summer. Whether describing the lush landscapes or the carefree moments of summer, these poems hold a special place in the hearts of readers.
In this article, we will explore short summer poems written by famous poets. From celebrated classics to modern interpretations, these poems offer a glimpse into how poets have portrayed summer in all its glory. Each of the poems selected here is rich with imagery, emotion, and a connection to the natural world, making them perfect for reading during the sunlit days of the season.
1. William Blake: “Summer”
William Blake, one of the most revered poets of the Romantic era, often explored the beauty of nature in his work. His poem “Summer” encapsulates the fleeting and ever-changing nature of the season.
Summer (from Songs of Innocence and Experience)
“O, sun, moon, and stars,
O, little birds and flowers,
Why do we wait for such hours
Of long, long summer days?”
Blake’s short and lyrical verse captures the eternal longing for the sweet warmth of summer. His reflection on the natural world invites readers to appreciate the fleeting moments of joy and beauty that summer brings.
2. Emily Dickinson: “A Light Exists in Spring”
Emily Dickinson’s work often delved into themes of nature, seasons, and the human experience. In “A Light Exists in Spring,” Dickinson beautifully portrays the lightness and vitality that characterize the spring-to-summer transition.
A Light Exists in Spring
“A Light exists in Spring
Not present on the Year
At any other period –
When March is scarcely here”
While this poem begins with spring, it transitions seamlessly into the feel of summer. Dickinson’s sparse, clean language evokes the refreshing and subtle arrival of the new season, offering a deep reflection on how the warmth of the summer season awakens the earth.
3. Robert Frost: “A Summer Day”
Robert Frost, known for his deep connection to nature, often wrote about the seasons and their impacts on life. His short poem “A Summer Day” touches on the delicate balance of summer and the feeling of being at peace in nature’s embrace.
A Summer Day
“The sun’s a golden wheel,
Spinning on air,
It turns and turns again,
For no one’s there.”
In his simple but vivid words, Frost conveys a sense of the endless nature of summer, where time seems to slow down and the sun lingers in the sky. The “golden wheel” serves as a beautiful metaphor for the warmth and abundance that summer brings.
4. William Wordsworth: “Lines Written in Early Spring”
William Wordsworth, a poet deeply connected with nature, expressed his thoughts on the natural world through his poetry. In “Lines Written in Early Spring,” Wordsworth speaks of the beauty of nature that will later unfold in full glory during the summer months.
Lines Written in Early Spring
“Through primrose tufts, in that green bower,
The periwinkle trailed its wreaths;
And ’tis my faith that every flower
Enjoys the air it breathes.”
This short, sweet verse is a celebration of nature’s gentle awakening as it transitions from spring into the early days of summer. Wordsworth’s love for the outdoors and his deep awareness of nature’s interconnectedness shine through.
5. Langston Hughes: “Summer Night”
Langston Hughes, known for his poignant reflections on African American life, also wrote about the changing seasons. His short poem “Summer Night” speaks to the warmth and tranquility of a summer evening.
Summer Night
“Let the night be quiet
Let the moonbeams fall
Soft and gentle as the night—
Let it all be still.”
Hughes’ poem perfectly captures the calm of a summer night. The simplicity of his language mirrors the peace and quiet of the natural world, making the reader feel as though they’re enveloped by the stillness of a summer evening.
6. Christina Rossetti: “Summer is Coming”
Christina Rossetti, a renowned Victorian poet, beautifully captured the essence of nature in her poems. In “Summer is Coming,” Rossetti explores the anticipation of the warm and lively season.
Summer is Coming
“Summer is coming, coming, coming,
And winter is over and gone,
The earth is alive with the sun,
And joy is before us.”
In this poem, Rossetti expresses the renewal that summer brings, with a sense of happiness and anticipation for the sun-filled days ahead. The language is bright and joyful, representing the vivid energy that fills the air as summer draws near.
7. Sara Teasdale: “There Will Come Soft Rains”
Sara Teasdale’s “There Will Come Soft Rains” is a poignant, brief reflection on nature’s resilience. Though it mentions the destructive nature of war, it also hints at the enduring beauty of the world, especially during the peaceful days of summer.
There Will Come Soft Rains
“There will come soft rains and the smell of the ground,
And swallows circling with their shimmering sound;
And frogs in the pools singing at night,
And wild plum trees in tremulous white.”
Teasdale’s verse paints a vivid image of summer’s simplicity, with its calming natural scenes, which act as a reminder of nature’s cycle, regardless of human conflict. The poem’s beauty lies in its brevity and its powerful imagery.
8. John Keats: “A Thing of Beauty”
Although “A Thing of Beauty” is not directly about summer, it can be interpreted as an ode to the everlasting beauty that the summer season embodies. John Keats’ work often explores nature, and this poem’s imagery evokes the warmth and glow of a summer day.
A Thing of Beauty
“A thing of beauty is a joy forever:
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep.”
The poem highlights how beauty, much like the summer season, leaves a lasting impression. It reminds readers of the joy that can be found in nature, an emotion often associated with the warmth and vitality of summer.
9. Pablo Neruda: “Ode to the Tomato”
Pablo Neruda’s “Ode to the Tomato” celebrates one of summer’s most iconic fruits. His vivid descriptions of tomatoes draw attention to the abundance and sensuality of summer.
Ode to the Tomato
“The tomato is a common thing,
But a thing that comes alive in the sun.
It sits on the kitchen counter,
Ripened and perfect.”
Neruda’s playful ode transforms a simple object into a symbol of the beauty and vitality of summer. His use of language captures the joy of the season through the lens of everyday life.
10. A.E. Housman: “Loveliest of Trees, the Cherry Now”
A.E. Housman’s famous poem “Loveliest of Trees, the Cherry Now” reflects the fleeting beauty of nature, and by extension, the brief yet glorious days of summer. The cherry tree is a symbol of nature’s ephemeral beauty.
Loveliest of Trees, the Cherry Now
“Loveliest of trees, the cherry now
Is hung with bloom along the bough,
And stands about the woodland ride
Wearing white for Eastertide.”
Housman’s poem emphasizes the transitory nature of beauty, as the cherry tree blooms but is soon to fade. The poem reflects the idea that summer’s beauty is short-lived, which adds to its allure.
Conclusion
Summer has long been a subject of fascination for poets, offering a rich source of imagery, emotion, and connection to the natural world. The short summer poems explored in this article are just a glimpse into the many ways poets have captured the essence of summer in their work. From the fleeting beauty of flowers and trees to the warmth of the sun and the quietude of summer nights, these poems encapsulate the magic of the season in just a few short lines.
These poems are reminders of the simplicity and joy that summer brings, as well as the profound impact nature has on our hearts and minds. Whether through vivid imagery, humor, or deep reflection, summer poems offer a timeless way to connect with the season’s beauty.
Related topics: