'Binsey Poplars' Summary

Binsey Poplars is a poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins, an English poet and Jesuit priest. The poem is a meditation on the beauty of nature, and on the relationship between nature and God. Hopkins uses vivid imagery and sprung rhythm to create a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of faith, nature, and the human condition.The poem is set in the countryside near Oxford, England, and begins with a description of the poplar trees that line the River Thames. Hopkins describes the trees in great detail, using vivid imagery to capture their beauty and grace. He also uses the trees as a symbol of the human soul, and of our relationship with God.The poem then moves on to a meditation on the nature of God. Hopkins argues that God is present in all of creation, and that we can find him in the beauty of nature. He also explores the idea of the Incarnation, and of how God became human in Jesus Christ.The poem ends with a prayer to God, in which Hopkins asks for help in understanding the mystery of faith. He also asks for help in living a life that is pleasing to God.Binsey Poplars is a beautiful and moving poem that explores the themes of faith, nature, and the human condition. Hopkins' use of vivid imagery and sprung rhythm creates a powerful and memorable poem that will stay with the reader long after they have finished reading it.