No free man needs a God; but was I free?How fully I felt nature glued to meAnd how my childish palate loved the tasteHalf-fish, half-honey, of that golden paste!My picture book was at an early ageThe painted parchment papering our cage:Mauve rings around the moon; blood-orange sun;Twinned Iris; and that rare phenomenonThe iridule - when, beautiful and strange,In a bright sky above a mountain rangeOne opal cloudlet in an oval formReflects the rainbow of a thunderstor
The speaker reflects on the concept of freedom, questioning whether true freedom can exist without a higher power. They express a deep sense of connection to nature, suggesting that it has a profound hold on their existence. The imagery evokes the deliciousness of youth and the unique experiences of life, reveling in the vividness of sensations and observations made in childhood.
The poem paints a rich tapestry of natural beauty, highlighting elements such as celestial bodies and rare meteorological phenomena. This imagery, along with the mention of a childhood picture book, emphasizes the wonder and enchantment found in the world. The reflections on nature's beauty serve to illustrate the complexities of freedom and attachment to the divine.
