William Wordsworth

My Heart Leaps Up When I Behold

Summary

This poem expresses a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature, specifically the simple yet profound sight of a rainbow. The speaker reflects on how this natural wonder has consistently evoked joy and awe from childhood into adulthood, and wishes for this reverence to continue into old age. The phrase, The Child is Father of the Man, suggests that the experiences and feelings of one's youth shape and influence one's adult life. The speaker desires a life where each day is connected through this sense of "natural piety," meaning a respectful devotion to the awe-inspiring aspects of the natural world, emphasizing the continuity and enduring influence of childhood wonder on adult perceptions.

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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.

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