# May 23 explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Edward Thomas.

## What happens

On a perfect May day, the speaker encounters Old Jack Noman, who appears jaunty and weathered, offering wildflowers and cresses for free. The day is marked by a brief thunderstorm that seems to bless its beauty, and the speaker finds joy in the season despite midges and dust. The chapter ends with the mysterious disappearance of Jack Noman.

## Themes in this chapter

### Nature and the Seasons

The perfect May day, the thunderstorm, and the wildflowers emphasize the beauty and transience of spring.

### Place and Belonging

The lane, the wall, Oakshott rill, and Wheatham hill root the scene in a specific landscape.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The speaker observes the fine day and interacts with Jack Noman.

### Old Jack Noman

Appears jaunty and old, offering cresses and cowslips, then disappears.

## Key lines

> There never was a finer day, And never will be while May is May

This is the most beautiful day possible in May.

_The speaker celebrates the perfection of the day._

> Old Jack Noman appeared again, Jaunty and old, crooked and tall, And stopped and grinned at me over the wall

Jack Noman, looking lively despite his age, stopped by the wall and smiled at me.

_Jack's reappearance is a cheerful moment._

> The day Jack Noman disappeared.

That was the day Jack Noman vanished.

_The chapter ends with Jack's mysterious disappearance._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_5_se/chapters/may-23
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_5_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_5_se/chapters