Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SOUTH WIND by SIEGFRIED SASSOON

Poet Analysis

First Line: WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN, SOUTH WIND, THIS MAY-DAY MORNING
Last Line: WHEN YOU STOLE TO ME SHYLY WITH SCENT OF HAWTHORN.
Subject(s): ENVIRONMENT; SOLDIERS' WRITINGS; TREES; WIND; ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION; ECOLOGY; CONSERVATION;
WHERE have you been, South Wind, this May-day morning, --
With larks aloft, or skimming with the swallow,
Or with blackbirds in a green, sun-glinted thicket?

Oh, I heard you like a tyrant in the valley;
Your ruffian haste shook the young, blossoming orchards;
You clapped rude hands, hallooing round the chimney,
And white your pennons streamed along the river.

You have robbed the bee, South Wind, in your adventure,
Blustering with gentle flowers; but I forgave you
When you stole to me shyly with scent of hawthorn.




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