Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Ah, Mighty Boisterous Blown Breath ... Siren Song for Me" by Roden Berkeley Wriothesley Noel is a dynamic and vivid poem that immerses the reader in a powerful natural scene dominated by the sea and the wind. The speaker, enthralled by the elements, draws a connection between the natural forces and a higher, more spiritual experience. The poem explores the primal and irresistible allure of nature, blending awe with a sense of deep reverence for the forces that both nurture and destroy.

Noel opens the poem with a direct invocation of the wind, describing it as a “mighty boisterous blown breath.” This personification of the wind immediately gives it a living, conscious presence. The use of the phrase “your siren song for me” ties the natural element to the mythological, as the wind is likened to the song of the sirens, whose voices lured sailors to their doom. Yet, rather than being afraid or repelled, the speaker willingly surrenders to this call. The “exhilarating draughts of wine” taken from the sea suggest that the speaker is intoxicated by the sheer power and beauty of the natural world, finding joy in the chaotic and overwhelming presence of the sea.

The imagery Noel uses to describe the sea and wind evokes both danger and allure. The “soft seething masses of fair froth luring deliciously” suggest an almost sensual attraction, with the sea’s foam becoming something desirable, despite the inherent peril. The sea is depicted as a living, breathing entity, its “vaporous blast” and “voice of vast long sibilant sea-thunder” creating a sense of grandeur. These descriptions emphasize the majesty and power of the natural world, portraying it as both beautiful and fearsome.

The poem intensifies as the speaker’s experience with the elements grows more overwhelming. Words like “bellowing explosions” and “storm my sense” suggest a total sensory assault, as if the speaker is caught in the very heart of a storm. This chaotic energy, however, is not something the speaker fears; rather, he finds joy and wonder in it. The poem’s tone shifts to one of awe as the speaker declares that the “Mother”—presumably a personification of nature—calls to him from her “perilous places.” This calling is described as something sacred, and the speaker feels a deep spiritual connection to it.

The speaker urges not to tremble but to “echo to the glowing spirit’s core.” This suggests that the speaker sees nature not as something to be feared but as something to be embraced on a deep, spiritual level. The call of nature, expressed through the wind and sea, resonates with the speaker’s inner self, touching his spirit. This communion with nature is depicted as a joyful experience, with the “sons” of the Mother rejoicing in their connection to her. Noel emphasizes this by depicting nature’s voice as present in various settings: rivers, deserts, cataracts, forests, and mountains. The speaker feels that the voice of the Mother can be heard in all aspects of the natural world, creating a sense of universality.

The speaker’s desire to listen to the voice of nature “evermore” reinforces the theme of communion with the natural world. The use of the phrase “I would hearken evermore” suggests that the speaker is not merely a passive observer of nature but an active participant, someone who seeks to continuously engage with the elements. This desire for ongoing connection reflects a deeper spiritual longing, as if the speaker believes that by listening to nature, he can tap into a greater truth or understanding of the universe.

As the poem continues, Noel weaves human experience into the natural world. The speaker hears human sounds within the wind, describing them as “music” that rolls with the music of the natural elements. The wind, like a “trumpet,” stirs human emotions, connecting the human experience with the vastness of nature. This blending of human and natural sounds suggests that, for the speaker, there is no separation between humanity and the natural world. Both are part of a larger, cosmic symphony, with the wind carrying both the voices of the living and the dead.

In the latter half of the poem, the tone shifts subtly as the speaker contemplates the “eerie tones of some who passed.” Here, the wind carries not only the sounds of nature but also the voices of the drowned—those who have perished at sea and whose spirits now wander restlessly. The speaker imagines these souls wailing in the wind, “shadows drifting desolately,” evoking a sense of melancholy. The “wandering grave” of the drowned suggests that their souls remain tied to the sea, forever trapped in the place of their death. This haunting image adds a layer of sorrow to the otherwise joyful communion with nature, reminding the reader of the sea’s capacity for destruction and the fragility of human life.

Noel’s use of vivid, sensory language throughout the poem enhances the reader’s immersion in the natural world. The rhythmic flow of the lines mirrors the ebb and flow of the sea, while the repetition of sounds like “wail,” “wind,” and “wander” creates a sense of continuity between the speaker’s experience and the elements around him. The rhyme and meter are loose, allowing the poem to move organically, much like the unpredictable forces of nature it describes.

In "Ah, Mighty Boisterous Blown Breath ... Siren Song for Me," Noel explores the relationship between humanity and the natural world, portraying nature as a powerful, spiritual force that both nourishes and destroys. The speaker, rather than fearing the chaotic and overwhelming elements, finds joy and wonder in them, seeing them as a path to deeper understanding and connection. At the same time, the poem acknowledges the darker side of nature, with the voices of the dead reminding the reader of the sea’s destructive power. Ultimately, Noel presents nature as both a source of awe and a force to be reckoned with, capturing its beauty, danger, and spiritual significance in equal measure.

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