William Wordsworth: Nature's Own Poet

William Wordsworth (1770-1850), famously called the high priest of Nature, is known for his worship of Nature and his constant declaration of the bond uniting human beings with Nature. Nature, according to Wordsworth, is the ultimate source of joy, hope, inspiration and healing for humankind. Here is a well-beloved poem from Wordsworth that speaks of how Nature is an eternal source of joy for humanity.

My Heart Leaps Up When I Behold

(Rainbow)

My heart leaps up when I behold

A rainbow in the sky:

So was it when my life began;

So is it now I am a man;

So be it when I shall grow old,

Or let me die!

The Child is father of the Man;

And I could wish my days to be

Bound each to each by natural piety. - William Wordsworth

[Glossary: behold – see; piety – devotion (here, to nature)]