Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Written in Winterborne Came Church" is a poem by John Drinkwater, an English poet and playwright who lived from 1882 to 1937. The poem was published in 1917 and reflects on the beauty and serenity of a rural church in Dorset, England.

Context:

The poem was written during World War I, a time of great upheaval and suffering. Drinkwater was a conscientious objector during the war and spent much of his time traveling and writing poetry. The poem can be seen as a reflection on the restorative power of nature and the importance of finding beauty and solace in the midst of chaos and destruction.

Content:

"Written in Winterborne Came Church" is a descriptive poem that captures the beauty and serenity of a rural church in Dorset, England. The speaker reflects on the simple elegance of the church and its surroundings, from the "calm grey sky" to the "whitewashed wall." The poem also reflects on the spiritual significance of the church and its role as a sanctuary for those seeking refuge and solace.

Form:

The poem is written in free verse, with no consistent rhyme scheme or meter. The lack of formal structure reflects the natural and organic quality of the rural landscape that the poem describes. The poem is also notable for its use of vivid imagery and descriptive language, which help to convey the speaker's sense of wonder and awe at the beauty of the church and its surroundings.

Poetic Elements:

Drinkwater makes use of a variety of poetic devices in "Written in Winterborne Came Church," including imagery, metaphor, and repetition. The poem is filled with vivid descriptions of the natural beauty of the church and its surroundings, from the "sweet-breathed hawthorn" to the "grey spire pointing to heaven." The repetition of the phrase "this is the church" throughout the poem helps to underscore the spiritual significance of the church and its role as a place of refuge and solace.

Summary:

"Written in Winterborne Came Church" is a beautiful and evocative poem that captures the natural beauty and spiritual significance of a rural church in Dorset, England. Drinkwater's use of language and imagery is particularly effective in conveying the speaker's sense of wonder and awe at the beauty of the church and its surroundings. Overall, "Written in Winterborne Came Church" is a powerful reflection on the restorative power of nature and the importance of finding beauty and solace in the midst of chaos and destruction.

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