A Channel Passage and Other Poems: Taken from The Collected Poetical Works of Algernon Charles; Swinburne—Vol VI

"A Channel Passage and Other Poems" by Algernon Charles Swinburne is a collection of poetry written during the late 19th century. The work showcases the poet's diverse themes, ranging from nature's beauty and the human experience to historical reflections and meditations on love and loss. Swinburne's vibrant and expressive style invites readers into his emotional landscapes, rich with vivid imagery and lyrical language. The opening of "A Channel Passage" sets a scene of a tumultuous sea journey from Calais, capturing both the serene beauty of the dawn and the sudden ferocity of a storm. The poem vividly contrasts the calmness of the night sky with the storm’s violent upheaval, utilizing powerful metaphors to express the duality of nature. Through this intense experience on the channel, the poet reflects on the themes of adventure, danger, and the sublime power of the natural world, evoking a sense of awe and introspection that engages the reader's imagination right from the start.