Frost at Midnight

In this poem, Coleridge finds himself lost in his imagination due to his solitude, the extreme silence, and his son quietly sleeping by his side. Although not much going on around him he still summarizes the atmosphere by saying, "This populous village! Sea, hill, and wood, / With all the numberless goings-on of life". I believe his statement regarding the "populous village" refers to the many thoughts (past, present, and future) that run through his mind while being in such solitude and silence. It is obviously not describing the current surroundings, but the potential for deep imagination in his state of mind. Through his son's eyes and the sight of his old school he is able to recall his childhood and the connection with nature he has had throughout his life. He also makes a connection with his son first describing his upbringings and then proceeds to say, "But thou my babe! shalt wander like a breeze". Here Coleridge sees the future of his son, growing up as he once did, deeply connecting with nature. Using this connection and appreciation they both will have as his son grows older, one could only imagine the depth of their extensive imagination.

Like Colridge, I too have found myself in such an atmosphere and state of mind. A recent hobby I have taken up has brought me to places with much history. Last week I visited an old military fort on the shores of Lake Michigan. This place is quiet now, and only spirits of those who once lived there dwell. As darkness fell, the silence of my surroundings gave me a somewhat erie feeling. The silence drew thoughts to my imagination that I have never really experienced before. As it got late, I started back towards my car and in my mind I started to see images of men standing in-line preparing for battle. This connection with silence/solitude can be related to Coleridge's feelings as he sat in his cottage. Though no imagination was drawn to my childhood, I felt I saw the area through the eyes as a soldier once did. I have included an image of what someone might picture if they saw the military fort as I did.