Refuge is a beautifully written collection of poetry from Canadian poet Archibald Lampman. The poems in this collection touch on themes of nature, solitude, and the passage of time. Lampman’s lyrical language and vivid imagery create a sense of serenity and contemplation, drawing the reader into the quiet, reflective world he has crafted.
Throughout the collection, Lampman explores the natural world in all its splendor, from the whispering trees to the shimmering lakes. The poems exude a sense of awe and reverence for the beauty that surrounds us, while also acknowledging the fleeting nature of life. There is a bittersweet quality to many of the poems, as Lampman contemplates the transience of both nature and human existence.
One of the most striking aspects of Refuge is Lampman’s ability to capture the essence of solitude and introspection. Many of the poems feature solitary figures wandering through the landscape, lost in thought and contemplation. There is a sense of peace and solace in these moments of quiet reflection, as if the natural world is offering a refuge from the chaos of everyday life.
Overall, Refuge is a poignant and evocative collection of poetry that invites the reader to slow down, take a deep breath, and appreciate the beauty of the world around them. Lampman’s words have a timeless quality that resonates long after the final page is turned, making this a book to be savored and revisited.
Book Description:
Archibald Lampman FRSC was a Canadian poet. "He has been described as 'the Canadian Keats;' and he is perhaps the most outstanding exponent of the Canadian school of nature poets." The Canadian Encyclopedia says that he is "generally considered the finest of Canada's late 19th-century poets in English."
Lampman is classed as one of Canada's Confederation Poets, a group which also includes Charles G.D. Roberts, Bliss Carman, and Duncan Campbell Scott. - Summary by Wikipedia