The Solitary Reaper

Yesterday in class we discussed some of the Romantic Era poets like Wordsworth, Keats, Byron, Shelley, Blake, and Coleridge. I was surprised by how much I identified with their words that were written so long ago. I think having this experience has made me more thoughtful and insightful after seeing all the things that inspired the greats. The poem that spoke to me the most was The Solitary Reaper by William Wordsworth. I could picture in my mind's eye the "solitary Highland Lass" after seeing the rolling English countryside in all its greenery and livestock. We discussed how if you are from the country or even just a smaller town it is so easy to miss the quieter, peaceful life back home. Don't get me wrong I am loving London and all that it has to offer and the adventures I've had but I often miss the slower pace of Ruston and simply the nature that surrounds it. Growing up in the Piney Hills I have been a lover of the outdoors and the peace that it brings me. We talked about how Wordsworth felt that man living in nature is living appropriately and I agree. There has to be some balance between the hustle and bustle of city life and the solitude of the country. I think that's why I liked Stratford so much. It reminded me of quaint little Ruston with it's smaller town and the trees and beauty around it. We discussed how one might want to return to nature and I am definitely that one. Again I am so thankful for the opportunity and my time in the city but every time we ventured out of it I felt a little more at home. I have definitely learned that I am not cut out for city life, though it is fun to visit. I need trees and grass and water to keep me going which is why I am so excited about our journey to Ireland this weekend! Wordsworth talks about how he "listened, motionless, and still" and I look forward to when I can do that and not hear construction, sirens, and people and just soak up the silence. I love you London but this girl needs something God made, not man made.