How is Nature depicted in “Poem in October?”

Answer

How is Nature depicted in “Poem in October?” [NU: 2015, 18, 21] ★★★ 

In “Poem in October” (written in 1944), Dylan Thomas (1914-1953) shows nature as beautiful and alive. He describes the Welsh countryside on his thirtieth birthday. Nature is not just background — it is like a living friend that celebrates with him. The sounds, sights, and feelings of nature remind him of childhood. Nature gives him joy.

Nature is Alive: The poem starts with the sounds of nature—the sounds of the seashore and nearby woods. The town is still sleeping. The poet describes the early morning prayer-like sound of water and the call of seagulls. 

“The morning beckon

With water praying and call of seagull…”

These images make nature feel alive. He hears the sound of boats, all the sea birds, and forest birds. He also sees a hunting heron dive into the water. Nature seems to welcome him on his thirtieth birthday.

Seasons and Weather: It is a rainy morning in Autumn (October). The poet is climbing a nearby hill. The “sun of October” soon becomes “summery.” From the height, the faraway town looks tiny. The weather changes, and with it, the mood changes too. He sees apples, pears, and red currants. The nature and weather remind him of the joy of childhood summers.

Nature Brings Memory: In this poem, nature is deeply connected to the poet’s memories. The poet imagines that the rainy Autumn is showering down all his memories on him. He writes:

“In rainy autumn

And walked abroad in a shower of all my days.”

Moreover, the woods, river, and sea bring back his childhood memories. He remembers walking with his mother. Nature becomes a link between him and his younger self.

In short, nature is shown as beautiful and alive in this poem. Nature changes with the weather, yet it holds the same joy the poet felt as a