Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"In Orknay" is a poem by William Fowler, a Scottish poet who lived in the 16th century. The poem is a reflection on the speaker's love for a woman who is far away, and the longing and loneliness that he feels as a result.

The poem begins by describing the speaker's physical location, "Upon the utmost corners of the warld," in Orkney, a group of islands in the north of Scotland. Despite the beauty of the landscape, the speaker is consumed by thoughts of his distant love, whom he describes as "my sweet, my heart, my dear." He longs to be with her, and laments the fact that they are separated by such a great distance.

Throughout the poem, the speaker uses imagery from nature to convey his emotions. He compares his love to a flower that is "blown afar" and a bird that has flown away. He also describes the sea, which separates him from his beloved, as a "wat'ry wall" that cannot be breached. Despite these obstacles, however, the speaker remains steadfast in his devotion, and declares that "I change bot seas, bot cannot change my love."

The language of the poem is simple and direct, with a gentle rhythm and rhyme scheme that emphasizes the speaker's emotions. The rhyme scheme appears to follow an ABABCC pattern, with a couplet at the end.The repetition of the word "bot" in the final line creates a sense of finality and resolution, as the speaker affirms his unwavering love in the face of all obstacles.

In conclusion, "In Orknay" is a poignant and moving love poem that captures the intensity of the speaker's feelings for his distant love. Through its use of natural imagery and simple language, the poem evokes a sense of longing and loneliness that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the pain of separation from a loved one.