Summer (Poem by Duncan Campbell Scott)

Summer

(Song)

By Duncan Campbell Scott

Sing me a song of the summer time,

Of the sorrel red and the ruby clover,

Where the garrulous bobolinks lilt and chime

                    Over and over.

Sing me a song of the strawberry-bent,

Of the black-cap hiding the heap of stones,

Of the milkweed drowsy with sultry scent,

                    Where the bee drones.

Sing me a song of the spring head still,

Of the dewy fern in the solitude,

Of the hermit-thrush and the whippoorwill,

                    Haunting the wood.

Sing me a song of the gleaming scythe,

Of the scented hay and the buried wain,

Of the mowers whistling bright and blithe,

                    In the sunny rain.

Sing me a song of the quince and the gage,

Of the apricot by the orchard wall,

Where bends my love Armitage,

                    Gathering the fruit of the windfall.

Sing me a song of the rustling, slow

Sway of the wheat as the winds croon,

Of the golden disc and the dreaming glow

                    Of the harvest moon.

Poem Analysis:

"Summer" by Duncan Campbell Scott is a vivid and evocative poem that celebrates the beauty and richness of the summer season. Through sensory imagery and lyrical language, Scott invites readers to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and scents of summer's bounty.

Invocation of Summer: The poem begins with an invocation, as the speaker calls for a song that captures the essence of summer. This sets the tone for a lyrical journey through the season's landscapes and experiences.

Nature's Tapestry: Scott paints a vibrant picture of summer through the imagery of blooming flowers, buzzing bees, and lush foliage. The mention of "sorrel red and ruby clover" and "strawberry-bent" evokes the colors and textures of nature in full bloom. The presence of bobolinks, black-caps, and bees adds to the sensory richness of the poem, creating a tapestry of sounds and sights that define the summer landscape.

Romantic Imagery: The poem also introduces romantic elements, such as the mention of lovers gathering fruit in the orchard and the image of the harvest moon casting a golden glow. These elements add depth and emotional resonance to the poem, portraying summer as a time of love, abundance, and harvest.

Rural Life: Scott captures the rhythms of rural life during summer, depicting scenes of haymaking, mowing, and fruit gathering. The whistling mowers and the scent of hay evoke the pastoral tranquility of the countryside, while the mention of orchards and wheat fields highlights the agricultural abundance of the season.

Sensory Experience: Throughout the poem, Scott appeals to the reader's senses, inviting them to experience the sights, sounds, and scents of summer. From the "dewy fern" and "scented hay" to the "dreaming glow" of the harvest moon, the poem creates a multisensory experience that brings the season to life.

In conclusion, "Summer" by Duncan Campbell Scott is a celebration of the beauty, abundance, and romance of the summer season. Through vivid imagery and lyrical language, Scott invites readers to immerse themselves in the sensory delights of summer, capturing the essence of this vibrant and enchanting time of year.