THE RIVER

The River

The poems of Caroline Ann Bowles are

full of gentle meditation over transient
things of nature. There is a genuine
womanly quality in her poems, full of
tenderness and subtle observation. Her
poems have the charm of delicate
insights, natural simplicity, telling
phrases and sweet cadence.
The river, in all its glory, is a dynamic
and vital symbol of nature. The poem
has philosophical undertones also. The
flow of the river shows the journey of
life to eternity. The different stages of
life are brought in through the imagery
used in the poem.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Caroline Anne Southey (1786 – 1854), was an English poet and second wife of Robert Southey. Born Caroline Anne Bowles, born in Lymington she was the daughter of a navy captain. She submitted a poem, "Ellen Fitzarthur", to Robert Southey which led to a friendship. They proposed a joint poem on Robin Hood, but this was not carried out. She did, however, eventually become the poet's second wife. She wrote various other works, including Chapters on Churchyards and Tales of the Factorie .

THE RIVER BY C.A. BOWLES

River, river, little river!

Bright you sparkle on your way;

O’er the yellow pebbles dancing,

Through the flowers and foliage glancing,

Like a child at play.

River, river! swelling river!

On you rush through rough and smooth;

Louder, faster, brawling, leaping,

Over rocks, by rose-banks, sweeping

Like impetuous youth.

River, river! brimming river!