Islands: A Poetic Journey

　　Islands are beautiful, enigmatic and mysterious. They evoke a sense of isolation, freedom and adventure. They are symbols of both hope and despair; of life and death. In this article, we take a poetic journey through the world of islands, exploring their beauty, wonder and complexity.

　　

1. The Island as a Metaphor for Life

　　Islands are often used as symbols for life. They represent the journey we undertake, the struggles we face, and the paths we choose. Consider these lines from John Donnes famous poem, "No Man is an Island":

　　

1. No man is an island entire of itself;
2. every man is a piece of the continent,
3. a part of the main;
4. ...

　　In this quote, the island is used as a metaphor for isolation. It suggests that we are all connected, and that our lives are intricately intertwined with the lives of others.

　　

2. The Natural Beauty of Islands

　　Islands are renowned for their natural beauty. They are havens of tranquility, where the sea meets the sky and the sun sets in a blaze of glory. Consider these exquisite lines from William Wordsworths poem, "On Seeing a Tuft of Snowdrops in a Storm":

　　

1. When the wintry west extends
2. At evening, through the rain,
3. A long and levelled rule of lines,
4. Sunset and even-star,
5. And this fair creatures eyes!

　　Here, the island is depicted as a place of tranquility amidst the storm. It is a place of beauty, where even in the most adverse conditions, something exquisite can be found.

　　

3. The Dark Side of Islands

　　Islands can also be places of despair and darkness. They are often associated with isolation and loneliness. Consider this line from T.S. Eliots poem "The Wasteland":

　　

1. On Margate Sands.
2. I can connect
3. Nothing with nothing.

　　Here, the island represents a place of emptiness and despair. It is a place where the speaker feels disconnected from the world around him.

　　

4. The Symbolism of Islands

　　Islands are potent symbols that can evoke a range of emotions and ideas. They represent many things to different people. Consider these lines from Mark Strands poem "The Coming of Light":

　　

1. Even this late it happens:
2. The coming of love, the coming of light.
3. You wake and the candles are lit as if by themselves,
4. Stars gather, dreams pour into your pillows,
5. Sending up warm bouquets of air.

　　Here, the island represents the coming of love and light. It is a symbol of hope and new beginnings.

　　

5. The Romance of Islands

　　Islands have long been associated with romance and adventure. They are the perfect setting for tales of love and derring-do. Consider these lines from Robert Louis Stevensons famous poem "Treasure Island":

　　

1. Fifteen men on the dead mans chest--
2. Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum!
3. Drink and the devil had done for the rest--
4. Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum!

　　Here, the island represents adventure, danger and romance. It is a place where anything can happen, and where life is lived to the fullest.

　　

6. The Mystery of Islands

　　Islands are also places of mystery and intrigue. They are often shrouded in myth and legend, and are associated with secrets and hidden treasures. Consider these lines from Elizabeth Bishops poem "Crusoe in England":

　　

1. Strange now to think of you, gone without corsets & eyes,
2. While I sit here writing desk-bound, in pinstriped disguise.

　　Here, the island represents the unknown and the mysterious. It is a symbol of exploration and discovery.

　　

Conclusion

　　In conclusion, islands are complex symbols that evoke a range of emotions and ideas. They represent hope, despair, beauty, darkness, romance, adventure, mystery and much more. As John Donne said, no man is an island, but every life is a journey that takes us to unexpected places and teaches us valuable lessons. And sometimes, the journey itself is the destination.