The poem “A Day For Wandering” by Philip Freneau is a celebration of a day spent exploring the beauty of nature. In this poem, the narrator expresses a deep appreciation for the natural world and the solace and freedom that exploring it can provide. The narrator speaks of feeling insignificant compared to the grandeur of nature, yet also empowered to discover and experience the beauty of nature on his own terms. The overall theme of this poem is one of appreciation, freedom, and a sense of exploration.
The poem begins with the narrator being awed by the “voice of Nature” and the beauty of the open sky and the “sylvan woods”. He celebrates the power of nature, and compares himself to a “transient guest”, feeling both insignificant in comparison to the grandeur of nature and empowered to explore it. The narrator speaks of the peace and freedom he feels whilst wandering:
“Flying where I list, I rested when I pleased,
Secure from danger, and from noise of care,
I roved the unmeasured air.”
The narrator speaks of the beauty he finds in the “fields that waved” and the “rivers broad”, and ponders on the magnificence of the sun and the stars, and reflects on the joys of being outside in nature, an appreciation he finds that few people share:
“Oh, how can man be gay,
How can he cease to mourn,
When such these scenes of nature,
No others can adorn?”
The overall theme of this poem is one of appreciation for the beauty and grandeur of nature, and of the freedom and exploration that can be found by taking time out from a hectic life to spend a day wandering in nature. This poem celebrates the power of nature, and the empowerment that comes from seeing it up close and on one’s own terms.