My heart leaps up when I behold A rainbow in the sky: So was it when my life began; So is it now I am a man; So be it when I shall grow old, Or let me die! The Child is father of the Man; I could wish my days to be Bound each to each by natural piety.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker wishes his emotional connection to nature and childhood wonder to last throughout his life.
- In plain terms
- He hopes his heart always feels the same joy from nature.
- What can you take from it?
- Stay connected to the wonder you felt as a child.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How can you keep your childhood spirit alive?
Another view
Adult responsibilities often make maintaining such wonder difficult.
More from William Wordsworth
Like an army defeated The snow hath retreated, And now doth fare ill On the top of the bare hill; The Ploughboy is whooping- anon- anon! There's joy in the mou…
Permalink to quote #10 Earth has not anything to show more fair: Dull would he be of soul who could pass by A sight so touching in its majesty: This City now doth, like a garment, we…
Permalink to quote #12 Sweet childish days, that were as long As twenty days are now.
Permalink to quote #9
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