# Longing: Away from the City’s Herds! explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by George MacDonald.

## What happens

The speaker expresses a deep yearning to escape the oppressive, noisy, and hateful city for the peace and beauty of a natural, seaside setting, where they can be alone with their beloved under God's sunshine.

## Themes in this chapter

### Nature as Divine Revelation

The natural seaside scene is described as a place of divine sunshine and peace, contrasting with the city's gloom.

### Love as Ultimate Strength

The speaker's desire to be with their love is central to the vision of escape and fulfillment.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The speaker who longs to escape the city and be with their love.

### Love

The beloved companion the speaker yearns to be with by the sea.

## Key lines

> Away from the city’s herds! Away from the noisy street! Away from the storm of words, Where hateful and hating meet!

Let me escape the crowded, loud city where people argue and hate each other.

_The speaker rejects urban conflict and clamor._

> Over some shining shore, There hangeth a space of blue; A parting ’mid thin clouds hoar Where the sunlight is falling through.

Above a bright beach, there is a patch of blue sky breaking through the thin, pale clouds where sunlight streams down.

_Imagery of hope and natural beauty breaking through gloom._

> Oh to be there with thee! Thou and I only, my love! The sparkling, sands and the sea! And the sunshine of God above!

I long to be there with you, just the two of us, my love, enjoying the sparkling sand and sea under God's sunshine.

_The ultimate desire is union with the beloved in a divine natural setting._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters/longing-away-from-the-city-s-herds
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters