'Rain On The Down' Summary

Rain On The Down is a poem by Arthur Symons that captures the beauty and mystery of the English countryside in the rain. The poem is set on a downland (a type of rolling hill) on a rainy day. The speaker is alone, and he is filled with a sense of peace and tranquility. He listens to the rain falling on the leaves and the grass, and he watches the clouds scudding across the sky. He feels a sense of connection to the natural world, and he is grateful for the beauty of the rain.

The poem begins with the speaker describing the scene:

The rain is falling on the down, The sheep are huddled in the fold, And all the world is gray and brown, And still as death.

The speaker then goes on to describe the sounds of the rain:

The rain is falling on the leaves, The rain is falling on the grass, And all the world is filled with sound Of pattering rain.

The speaker also describes the smells of the rain:

The rain is falling on the flowers, The rain is falling on the trees, And all the world is filled with scent Of wet, sweet earth.

The poem ends with the speaker reflecting on the beauty of the rain:

Oh, beautiful is the rain, That washes all the world anew, And makes it fresh and fair again, And fills it with the smell of flowers, And the sound of pattering rain.

"Rain On The Down" is a beautiful and evocative poem that captures the power of nature. It is a reminder that even in the midst of change, there is always beauty to be found.

The poem is written in free verse, which allows Symons to create a sense of movement and fluidity. He uses vivid language to describe the sights, sounds, and smells of the rain. He also uses symbolism to evoke a sense of mystery and wonder. The rain is a symbol of change, transformation, and renewal. It is also a symbol of the speaker's own inner journey.

The poem is a reminder that we should appreciate the beauty of the natural world, even when it is raining. The rain can be a cleansing force, washing away the old and bringing in the new. It can also be a time for reflection and introspection. When we slow down and listen to the rain, we can hear the whispers of the universe.