Spring and Fall: To a Young Child

by Gerard Manley Hopkins

Genres: Poetry, 19th Century, Classics

First published July 23, 2012

About the author

Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844-1889) was an English poet, Roman Catholic convert, and Jesuit priest, whose 20th-century fame established him posthumously among the leading Victorian poets. His experimental explorations in prosody (especially sprung rhythm) and his use of imagery established him as a daring innovator in a period of largely traditional verse.

Reviews

[HR Habibur Rahman · Rating 5 out of 5]

ঘুমিয়ে আছে শিশুর পিতা / সব শিশুদের অন্তরে।

[John Yelverton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty poignant poem which highlights the fact that most of our anguish and anxiety over change is really about us and not about the thing changed.

[Alireza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gerard Manley Hopkins’ Spring is a vibrant celebration of renewal, nature, and the subtle joys of life. The poem’s rhythm and imagery capture the freshness and energy of the season, reminding the reader to pause and appreciate life’s small beauties.
As someone who values curiosity, thoughtfulness, and empathy, I found Hopkins’ attention to detail and his musical language deeply moving. Spring encourages reflection on growth, gratitude, and the quiet wonders that surround us, making it a timeless piece for contemplative readers.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This poem is very simple and sweet.

[Andy Hickman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spring and Fall to a Young Child - Illuminating the truth that our anguish over change is the change in us, not the change itself.

[asiya | アセヤ (free palestine) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't remember this; need to re-read it.

[Mubtasim Fuad · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Ah! as the heart grows older
It will come to such sights colder"

[Emmysoo]

This poem has to be my favourite poem of all time. Then again, I haven't read many poems, but I still think this will still be up there once I read some more poems. The last two lines always get me. It's a plot twist if you may. A realisation so great that Margaret, a small child (I picture her to be around 6 to 8) has no chance of understanding it. And yet it is true. That statement holds more truth than anything else Margaret will ever see or hear.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

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