# Sharing explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by George MacDonald.

## What happens

The speaker observes a stormy night sky with a single bright spot near the moon, finding joy in the shared human experience of witnessing such beauty. He imagines an old man feeling rejuvenated and a child inspired by the storm's splendor, reflecting on how such moments of glory are not solitary but connect souls across distances, drawing from a divine wellspring.

## Themes in this chapter

### Nature as Divine Revelation

The stormy sky and moonlight reveal a shared splendor that connects souls and evokes divine joy.

### Childhood and Innocence

The child's encounter with the storm's glory keeps him undefiled into old age.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The speaker who gazes at the stormy sky and reflects on shared joy.

### The Child-Mother

The gazing child who receives a thought of glory from the storm.

## Key lines

> And a joy doth rise in me Upward gazing on the sight, When I think that others see In yon clouds a like delight;

I feel joy when I realize that others also find delight in the same clouds.

_The speaker's joy is amplified by the thought of shared experience._

> Or upon the gazing child Cometh down a thought of glory Which will keep him undefiled Till his head is old and hoary.

A child who witnesses the storm's glory will be preserved in purity until old age.

_The child's vision of glory has a lasting moral and spiritual effect._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters/sharing
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters