In Romney Marsh (John Davidson)

In Romney Marsh by John Davidson captures the poet's sensory experience as he travels along the coast of Romney Marsh. The poem begins with the speaker's journey to Dymchurch Wall, where he observes the beauty of the landscape: the sunlight on the knolls, the Norman churches, and the wire winding from Romney town to Hythe. The poet describes the atmosphere with vivid imagery, including purple vapours, sapphire skies, and roses filling Heaven's gates. The sounds of masts wagging, waves pealing, and the saffron beach add to the sensory richness of the scene. As the speaker returns from Dymchurch Wall, he witnesses the sunset over the Downs, followed by the nightfall and the appearance of stars. The wind blows shrilly, and the wire rings out from Hythe to Romney town, while the waves continue to clash on the shore. You can read the poem below and find analysis further down the page.

In Romney Marsh by John Davidson

As I went down to Dymchurch Wall, 

I heard the South sing o’er the land 

I saw the yellow sunlight fall 

On knolls where Norman churches stand. 

And ringing shrilly, taut and lithe, 

Within the wind a core of sound, 

The wire from Romney town to Hythe 

Along its airy journey wound. 

A veil of purple vapour ‑ owed 

And trailed its fringe along the Straits; 

The upper air like sapphire glowed: 

And roses ­ lled Heaven’s central gates. 

Masts in the of­ ng wagged their tops; 

The swinging waves pealed on the shore; 

The saffron beach, all diamond drops 

And beads of surge, prolonged the roar. 

As I came up from Dymchurch Wall, 

I saw above the Downs’ low crest 

The crimson brands of sunset fall, 

Flicker and fade from out the West. 

Night sank: like ‑ akes of silver ­ re 

The stars in one great shower came down; 

Shrill blew the wind; and shrill the wire 

Rang out from Hythe to Romney town. 

The darkly shining salt sea drops 

Streamed as the waves clashed on the shore; 

The beach, with all its organ stops 

Pealing again, prolonged the roar

Analysis:

Title Significance:

The title, "In Romney Marsh," sets the scene for the poem's setting, indicating that it will explore the landscape and atmosphere of Romney Marsh.

Romney Marsh serves as both the physical setting and the central focus of the poem, shaping the speaker's sensory experiences and observations.

Setting:

The poem is set along the coast of Romney Marsh, a coastal area in south eastern England known for its marshes, knolls, and historic churches.

The setting plays a significant role in shaping the poet's sensory experiences and observations, with vivid descriptions of the landscape, atmosphere, and natural elements.

Imagery and Sensory Language:

Davidson uses vivid imagery and sensory language to evoke the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of Romney Marsh. Descriptions of sunlight falling on knolls, Norman churches, purple vapours, sapphire skies, and roaring waves create a rich and immersive sensory experience for the reader.

Structure:

Each stanza has an alternating rhyme scheme (ABABCDCD). The structure allows for a balanced presentation of the speaker's observations and experiences.

Tone and Mood:

The tone is contemplative and reflective, with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty of the landscape.

The mood is tranquil and serene, as the speaker immerses himself in the sights and sounds of Romney Marsh and reflects on the passage of time and natural phenomena.

Themes:

Nature and Landscape: The poem celebrates the beauty and majesty of nature, with vivid descriptions of the landscape, sky, sea, and stars.

Time and Change: The poem reflects on the passage of time and the shifting of natural phenomena, such as the transition from daylight to sunset and nightfall.

Human Connection to Nature: The speaker's sensory experiences and observations underscore the deep connection between humans and the natural world, as they immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of Romney Marsh.

Language and Diction:

Davidson's language is lyrical and evocative, with an emphasis on descriptive imagery and sensory detail.

The use of specific nouns and adjectives, such as "yellow sunlight," "purple vapour," and "sapphire glowed," adds depth and richness to the poet's descriptions of the landscape and atmosphere.

Conclusion:

In Romney Marsh by John Davidson is a lyrical and evocative poem that celebrates the beauty and majesty of nature in Romney Marsh. Through vivid imagery and sensory language, Davidson captures the speaker's sensory experiences and observations as he travels along the coast, from daytime scenes of sunlight and waves to sunset and nightfall. The poem offers a contemplative reflection on the passage of time, the beauty of the natural world, and the human connection to nature in the serene landscape of Romney Marsh.

You can find analysis of all the Edexcel Time and Place Poetry Anthology Poems here.