“The Retreat” is a poem penned by Henry Vaughan, an English poet known for his association with the metaphysical poets of the 17th century. Henry Vaughan, a Welsh metaphysical poet, was greatly influenced by George Herbert. George Herbert’s poems served as a model for Vaughan.
This poem primarily extols the purity and beauty of an infant, drawing a sharp juxtaposition with the complexities and challenges of adulthood. It evokes a sense of wistful nostalgia for the simplicity and innocence of early infancy, and it dwells upon the theme of childhood innocence and its subsequent loss as individuals mature.
In this composition, the speaker engages in introspection regarding their spiritual journey, drawing a stark contrast between their current state and their former, more innocent and spiritually attuned self. The poem consists of a single stanza comprising thirty-two lines. This poem was published in his best-known poetry collection “Silex Scintillans”. It was published in 1650.
The speaker conveys a deep sense of joy and contentment when reflecting on his early childhood. The speaker likens his early self to that of an angel, highlighting the idea of purity and divine qualities associated with childhood.
During this period, the speaker had not yet grasped the complexities of the world. He views this phase of their life as a distinct chapter in their journey, represented by the term “second race.” In his state of innocence, his thoughts were centered on heavenly and untainted notions. He remained closely connected to their profound love for God or the divine. Even after venturing a short distance from his initial spiritual connection, the speaker retained the ability to perceive glimpses of the divine presence, often described as “His bright face.” This suggests that his spiritual link was robust during their early years.
The speaker’s soul found deep meaning and a spiritual connection in the simple, natural wonders of the world. He could spend extended periods contemplating the beauty of everyday elements, such as clouds or flowers, signifying a profound sense of awe and spirituality. These simple, beautiful aspects of the natural world provided hints and reflections of eternity, revealing the divine within the ordinary.
In their early years, the speaker had not yet learned to engage in behavior or speech that could harm his conscience with sinful actions or words. He remained innocent and pure, untarnished by worldly temptations. Furthermore, he had not yet acquired the skill of indulging in various sins using his senses. This signifies the gradual loss of innocence and purity as he mature and become aware of the allure of worldly vices. Despite inhabiting a physical body, the speaker could still sense the presence of the eternal and divine shining through. This suggests that he possessed a profound spiritual awareness, even amid the complexities of their physical existence.
The speaker strongly desires to revisit a previous period or state in his life. He yearns to retrace his journey along a path he once walked, indicating a deep longing to return to a former state of existence. The goal of his longing is to attain a specific state or condition in life, one marked by spiritual purity and a deep connection. The term “glorious train” may signify a time when his spiritual connection was strong and his journey was filled with a sense of purpose.
The place the speaker yearns to return to is where an enlightened spirit can gain profound understanding or insight. This place is described metaphorically as a “shady city of palm trees,” carrying rich spiritual and heavenly symbolism. The “shady city” symbolizes a haven of peace, refuge, and spiritual sanctuary, while “palm trees” represent victory, triumph, and spiritual growth. This city embodies a heavenly or divine destination that the speaker passionately desires to reach once more.
The speaker expresses a sense of weariness and feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of life. They convey the idea that their soul has been stagnant for too long, using metaphors like being “drunk” and “staggering” to emphasize a lack of purpose and direction. In contrast to those who prefer to move forward in life and seek progress, the speaker has a different perspective. He yearns to take steps backward, symbolizing a desire to return to a simpler, purer, and more spiritually connected state. This suggests a longing for a state of being that is free from the complexities and distractions of the world.
The poem also delves into the contemplation of mortality. The speaker reflects on the idea that, as their physical body eventually returns to the earth (“the urn”), they aspire to return to the state of purity and spiritual connection they had when they first entered this world. This reflects their desire for a renewed spiritual awakening and a return to the innocence and spiritual connectedness that existed before the worldly distractions took hold.