Edward Thomas
Rise up, rise up,
And, as the trumpet blowing
Chases the dreams of men,
As the dawn glowing
The stars that left unlit
The land and water,
Rise up and scatter
The dew that covers
The print of last night’s lovers—
Scatter it, scatter it!
While you are listening
To the clear horn,
Forget, men, everything
On this earth new-born,
Except that it is lovelier
Than any mysteries.
Open your eyes to the air
That has washed the eyes of the stars
Through all the dewy night:
Up with the light,
To the old wars;
Arise, arise!
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Analysis (AI Assisted)
This poem is a call to action, blending the energy of awakening with the weight of tradition and history. It connects the beauty of the natural world with the urgency of renewal and the inevitability of struggle. The language is brisk and commanding, echoing the tone of a trumpet that rouses both individuals and nations to rise and confront the day ahead.
The opening lines are dynamic, urging the reader to awaken and act. The imagery of the trumpet blowing and the dawn scattering the stars creates a sense of transition—moving from the stillness of night into the vibrancy of morning. The command “Rise up and scatter” is repeated with an almost rhythmic insistence, emphasizing the need to break away from the remnants of the past, symbolized by the “dew that covers the print of last night’s lovers.”
The poem contrasts the ephemeral and the eternal. The “dreams of men” and the “dew” represent fleeting moments, while the trumpet and the dawn symbolize enduring forces of nature and tradition. The poet celebrates the present moment’s beauty, declaring it “lovelier than any mysteries.” This suggests a rejection of abstract or unknown wonders in favor of the tangible and immediate splendor of the world as it awakens.
The tone shifts slightly with the lines “To the old wars; / Arise, arise!” Here, the poem ties the personal call to wakefulness with a broader historical or cultural struggle. The “old wars” could be interpreted literally, as a reference to conflict and duty, or metaphorically, as a reflection of humanity’s ongoing challenges and efforts to overcome.
The poem’s strength lies in its balance between lyrical celebration and urgent command. It captures the vitality of dawn, not just as a natural phenomenon but as a moment imbued with purpose. By combining imagery of light, sound, and motion, the poem conveys both the beauty and responsibility of starting anew. It inspires action while grounding that action in the enduring cycles of nature and human endeavor.