Here is one of romantic poetry’s masterpieces: “Ode: Intimations of Immortality from Recollections Of Early Childhood”, by William Wordsworth. Through this poem he offers to us some insight into the nature of our inevitable growth as individual human beings. Not only are we forced to grow physically, but we cannot help but grow spiritually as well and this change inherently affects our relationship with the natural world and the kind of knowledge and pleasure that we have access to.

As we grow old, should we ponder those past days in quiet nostalgia, with implied regret? Or perhaps we should simply be grateful for those past experiences? Is it possible that such gratefulness can only be experienced once we recognize the gifts that time has granted us? There are so many ways for us to see our past, our present and their relationship: for some, it all leads to regret; for others, the fruits that our past has granted us are ignored. Wordsworth’s “Ode” tells us that it is possible to appreciate the unique beauty of a child’s perspective all while recognizing the value of human growth in forming our perspective on nature.

Through his poetry, he explored these matters for himself and shared with us the path through which his emotions progressed. It was not a linear path without impediments, but it lead him to accept the processes of aging, even death, and form a greater understanding of nature and our relationship with her.

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