Morning (Poem by Edwin John Dove Pratt)

Morning

By Edwin John Dove Pratt

Old, old is the sea to-day.

A sudden stealth of age

Has torn away

The texture of its youth and grace,

And filched the rose of daybreak from its waters.

Now lines of grey

And dragging vapors on its brow

Heavily are drawn;

And it lies broken as with centuries,

Though yesterday,

Blue-eyed and shadowless as a child's face,

It held the promise of a luminous dawn;

Though through its merry after-hours

It bade the sun to pour

Its flaming mintage on the ocean floor

That by a conjuror's touch was turned

To rarer treasure manifold,

Where jacinth, emerald and sapphire burned — 

A fringe around a core of gold....

Old, old is the sea to-day,

Forsaken, chill and grey,

And banished is the glory of its waters;

Though through the silent tenure of the night

It bade the sterile moon to multiply

A thousand-fold its undivided light,

Within the nadir of a richer sky;

When every star a thousand cressets glowed

That, caught in wider conflagration, sent

Vast leagues of silver fire wherever flowed

The waters of its shoreless firmament.

But old and grey

Is the sea to-day,

With the morning colors blanched upon its waters.

Poem Analysis:

Edwin John Dove Pratt's poem "Morning" captures the timeless essence of the sea and explores themes of aging, transformation, and the fleeting nature of beauty. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, Pratt invites readers to contemplate the sea's changing moods and the passage of time.

The Sea as a Symbol of Time: The sea serves as a powerful symbol of time and eternity in Pratt's poem. Through the imagery of an old, aged sea, Pratt evokes a sense of timelessness and antiquity. The sea's transformation from its youthful, vibrant state to its current aged condition reflects the relentless march of time and the inevitable effects of aging on all things.

Contrast of Past and Present: Pratt contrasts the sea's past glory with its current state of desolation. The poem vividly describes the sea in its former splendor, adorned with the colors of dawn and illuminated by the sun's fiery rays. However, the sea is now depicted as forsaken, chill, and grey, stripped of its former beauty and vitality. This stark contrast underscores the transient nature of beauty and the inevitability of change.

Loss of Splendor: The poem laments the loss of the sea's former glory. Once adorned with precious gems and bathed in radiant light, the sea now appears faded and diminished. Pratt poignantly captures the sense of loss and melancholy that accompanies the sea's transformation, emphasizing the fleeting nature of beauty and the inevitability of decline.

Imagery of Light and Color: Pratt employs vivid imagery of light and color to evoke a sense of wonder and awe. The sea is described as a luminous spectacle, illuminated by the sun and adorned with a dazzling array of colors. However, as the poem progresses, these vibrant hues are replaced by shades of grey and darkness, symbolizing the sea's decline and loss of vitality.

Reflection on Transience: "Morning" invites readers to reflect on the transient nature of life and beauty. Through the imagery of the sea's aging process, Pratt reminds us of the impermanence of all things and the inevitability of change. The poem encourages readers to appreciate the beauty of the present moment and to embrace the passage of time with acceptance and grace.

In conclusion, "Morning" by Edwin John Dove Pratt is a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the ephemeral nature of beauty. Through its vivid imagery and evocative language, the poem invites readers to contemplate the sea's timeless journey and to reflect on the enduring mysteries of life and existence.