William Wordsworth’s poem “Composed Upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802” is a sonnet celebrating the serene beauty of London in the early morning. The poem captures a moment of stillness and awe as the poet gazes upon the city from Westminster Bridge.

Summary:

The poem begins with Wordsworth asserting that there is no sight more beautiful than London bathed in the quiet of dawn. The city, with its majestic architecture and the natural flow of the Thames, appears tranquil and harmonious. He notes that the morning light softens the urban landscape, blending it with nature.

Wordsworth praises the clarity and purity of the scene, describing the houses, ships, and river as basking in the peaceful glow of the morning sun. The city, usually bustling and noisy, seems at rest, as if it were a part of nature itself. The poet feels a deep emotional connection to this moment, experiencing a profound sense of calm and gratitude.

The poem concludes with Wordsworth expressing that even the heart of a person insensitive to beauty would be moved by such a view. The stillness of the scene leaves him overwhelmed with its simplicity and grandeur, highlighting his Romantic belief in the sublime power of nature and the spiritual connection it fosters.

This sonnet exemplifies Wordsworth's ability to find beauty and inspiration in both nature and the human-made world, blending the two in a moment of profound appreciation.