Summer is Come (Poem by Gilbert Parker)

Summer is Come

By Gilbert Parker

Summer is come; the corn is in the ear,

    The haze is swimming where the beeches stand;

Summer is come, though winter months be here — 

    My love is summer passing through the land.

Summer is come; I hear the skylarks sing,

    The honeysuckle flaunts it to the bees;

Summer is come, and ‘tis not yet the spring — 

    My love is summer blessing all she sees.

Summer is come; I see an open door,

    A sweet hand beckons, and I know

That, winter or summer, I shall go forth no more — 

    My heart is homing where her summer-roses grow.

Poem Analysis:

Gilbert Parker's poem "Summer is Come" captures the essence of summer as a metaphor for love and renewal, despite the presence of winter. Through vivid imagery and lyrical language, Parker evokes the warmth and beauty of summer, symbolizing the enduring power of love to transcend seasons and circumstances.

The Eternal Arrival of Summer: The opening lines of the poem celebrate the arrival of summer amidst the winter months. Parker paints a picture of abundance and vitality, describing the corn in the ear and the haze swimming among the beeches. This juxtaposition of summer's presence with the lingering chill of winter suggests the timeless nature of love, which can bloom even in the coldest of seasons.

Love as the Embodiment of Summer: Parker personifies love as summer itself, describing it as "passing through the land" and "blessing all she sees." Love, like summer, brings warmth, joy, and vibrancy to the world. The imagery of skylarks singing and honeysuckle enticing bees further reinforces the idea of love as a force of nature, irresistible and all-encompassing.

The Promise of Home and Belonging: The poem transitions from external observations of nature to a deeply personal reflection on love. The speaker sees an open door, symbolizing the invitation to embrace love and belonging. The beckoning hand and the promise of summer-roses evoke feelings of warmth, comfort, and security. Despite the changing seasons, the speaker's heart finds solace in the eternal presence of love.

Themes of Transcendence and Renewal: "Summer is Come" explores themes of transcendence and renewal, highlighting love's ability to overcome obstacles and bring hope in times of darkness. The poem suggests that love is not bound by temporal constraints but exists as a timeless force that permeates the human experience. Through the imagery of summer, Parker invites readers to embrace the beauty and resilience of love, even amidst life's trials and uncertainties.

Gilbert Parker's "Summer is Come" celebrates the enduring power of love to bring warmth, joy, and renewal to the human spirit. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, Parker reminds us that love, like summer, is a force of nature that transcends seasons and circumstances. The poem serves as a timeless ode to the eternal presence of love in our lives, offering solace and hope in every season.