Edward Tennant
I write these lines to send my love,
Across the English Channel,
Towards a house of flint and stone
And many an oaken panel,
Upon whose lawns some boys I spy
With voices gay and scrannel.
Upon the stream the motor-boat
Petrolically grunts,
And round about, and in and out,
Go dinghies, rafts, and punts,
While in the withy-beds, with Bob,
David has moor-hen hunts.
Then Stephen in his garden gay,
Grows every kind of flower,
I cannot tell their names, and if
I could, ‘twould take an hour.
And very often food is cooked
Within a Round House tower —
That stands down in the orchard
And for very many years
Has been the scene of fights between
Roundheads and Cavaliers,
Who now are fighting side by side
As Britain’s musketeers.
And One within the Stone Parlour
Holds happy Easter Court ;
Another catches silvery trout
His best beloved sport,
I think on these the whole day long
And happy is the thought.
P.S. — Another verse I now must pen
Because by chance I hear,
That Wils ford’s safe and tily roof
Now covers one most dear,
O, may she be our Easter guest
For this, and many a year.
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Analysis (AI Assisted)
This poem is a gentle expression of love and longing, written from a distance but steeped in the warmth of memory and connection. It captures a sense of place and time through vivid imagery and nostalgic reflections, creating a heartfelt portrait of a home and the life it holds.
The tone is conversational and personal, with the speaker addressing the reader directly, sending love “across the English Channel.” This framing immediately situates the poem within a context of separation, likely due to the war, yet the focus remains on the familiar and comforting scenes of home.
The descriptions of daily life are rich in detail and charm. The motor-boat “petrolically grunts,” a playful and specific image, while boys with “voices gay and scrannel” evoke the liveliness and innocence of childhood. These scenes of activity on the lawn and by the stream are not merely observations but memories that bring comfort to the speaker.
The Round House, with its historical associations of “fights between Roundheads and Cavaliers,” adds a layer of timelessness to the poem. It connects the present to the past, suggesting that while the specifics of conflict may change, the essence of resilience and unity remains. This sentiment aligns with the wartime backdrop of the poem, subtly weaving personal and national narratives together.
The closing stanzas shift to a more intimate note, expressing hope for a loved one to be present at Easter. This wish, written in a “P.S.,” feels spontaneous and heartfelt, adding to the poem’s conversational and unpolished charm. The mention of Wilsford’s “safe and tilly roof” reinforces the theme of home as a sanctuary amidst turmoil.
What makes this poem especially touching is its balance between lighthearted details—such as trout fishing and gardening—and the deeper undercurrent of longing. It’s a reminder of what’s at stake during war: not just survival but the preservation of cherished places, traditions, and relationships. The poem invites the reader to share in this tender vision of home, making it a deeply personal yet universally resonant piece.