"Upon Westminster Bridge" is a poem by William Wordsworth, written in September 1802. The poem is a celebration of the beauty and majesty of London, as seen from the vantage point of Westminster Bridge.
In the opening lines of the poem, Wordsworth describes the peaceful and serene scene that he sees from the bridge. The Thames river flows calmly below, and the city is shrouded in a peaceful morning mist. The speaker marvels at the beauty of the city, with its "houses, towers, domes, theatres, and temples" all bathed in the soft morning light.
Wordsworth then reflects on the history and cultural significance of the city, describing it as the "heart" of England, and the place where "every face" and "every motion" speaks of "hope and joy." The speaker suggests that London is a place of opportunity and progress, where people of all kinds come together to live, work, and create.
The speaker also reflects on the contrast between the natural beauty of the city and the man-made structures that surround it. He describes the "smokeless air" and the "silent streets" as a testament to the harmonious relationship between humanity and nature.
Throughout the poem, Wordsworth uses language and imagery to convey the sense of awe and wonder that he feels in the presence of the city. He describes the "ships, towers, domes, theatres, and temples" as "gleaming in the smokeless air," suggesting that they are almost otherworldly in their beauty.
In the final stanza, the speaker turns his attention to the future, suggesting that London will continue to thrive and grow in the coming years. He describes the city as a "joy forever," suggesting that it will always be a place of beauty, wonder, and opportunity.
Overall, "Upon Westminster Bridge" is a poem that celebrates the beauty and majesty of London, and the sense of hope and possibility that it embodies. Through his use of language and imagery, Wordsworth captures the essence of the city, and the feelings of awe and wonder that it inspires in those who behold it.