3 Must-Read Charlotte Smith Poems

Charlotte Smith was an English poet who is remembered for her Elegiac Sonnets written in 1783 while she was in debtor’s prison. She also published several interesting longer poems that explored the social justice system and class division.

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Huge Vapours Brood above the Clifted Shore

‘Huge Vapours Brood above the Clifted Shore’ by Charlotte Smith describes a brooding storm the lighted paths of life one might choose to follow.

Charlotte Smith was a significant literary figure in the 18th century, known for her emotional depth and focus on natural settings as metaphors for human experiences. In 'Huge Vapours Brood above the Clifted Shore,' Smith employs her characteristic attention to detail to paint a landscape that becomes a metaphor for the uncertainties and challenges in human life. Her poetic style provides an emotional richness, allowing the reader to explore themes that are deeply rooted in the human experience, including fear, confusion, and the quest for knowledge.

Huge vapours brood above the clifted shore,

Night o’er the ocean settles, dark and mute,

Save where is heard the repercussive roar

Of drowsy billows, on the rugged foot

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On Being Cautioned Against Walking on an Headland…

‘On Being Cautioned Against Walking on an Headland…’, describes a wandering “Lunatic” and the freedom he has from niceties and the fear of death.

Is there a solitary wretch who hies

To the tall cliff, with starting pace or slow,

And, measuring, views with wild and hollow eyes

Its distance from the waves that chide below;

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To Melancholy

Smith’s ‘To Melancholy’ captures the serene yet sorrowful communion with nature, where the past’s echoes offer solace amidst autumn’s veil.

And hear his deep sighs swell the sadden'd wind!

O Melancholy!--such thy magic power,

That to the soul these dreams are often sweet,

And sooth the pensive visionary mind!

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3 Must-Read Charlotte Smith Poems

Huge Vapours Brood above the Clifted Shore

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