Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Seymour Bridges' "October" is a poem that reflects on the beauty and transience of autumn. The poem was first published in Bridges' collection of poems, "October and Other Poems" in 1920. 

The poem "October" reflects on the beauty and transience of autumn, capturing the vivid colors and fleeting nature of the season. The poem begins with a description of the "smoke-blue hills", "golden leaves", and "crimson flowers", which create a vivid image of the autumnal landscape. However, the poem's focus on the transience of the season is underscored by the repetition of the phrase "the year is dying".

Written in free verse , Bridges employs a range of poetic elements to convey the beauty and fragility of the season. The use of vivid imagery, including the contrasting images of "smoke-blue hills" and "crimson flowers", creates a rich and detailed picture of the autumnal landscape. The use of repetition, such as the repeated phrase "the year is dying", emphasizes the transience of the season and underscores the importance of savoring its beauty while it lasts.

In addition to its focus on the beauty of autumn, the poem can be read as a commentary on the cyclical nature of life and the importance of embracing change. The poem suggests that autumn, with its colors and transformations, is a reminder that change is a natural part of the human experience, and that it is important to embrace and appreciate the beauty of each season of life.

In conclusion, "October" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the beauty and transience of autumn. Bridges' use of poetic elements, such as vivid imagery and repetition, creates a rich and detailed picture of the autumnal landscape. The poem's themes of beauty, transience, and change, as well as its commentary on the cyclical nature of life, make it a timeless reflection on the human experience of the seasons.