The Frowning Cliff-Herbert Asquith

 THE FROWNING CLIFF

The sea has a laugh

And the cliff a frown;

For the laugh of the sea

Is wearing him down.


Lipping and lapping,

Frown as he may,

The laughing sea

Will eat him away.


Knees and body,

And tawny head,

He'll smile at last

On a golden bed.


HERBERT ASQUITH


Summary: 'The Frowning Cliff' is a short poem by Herbert Asquith that describes the contrast between the sea and the cliff. While the sea is depicted as lively and playful, with 'a laugh' that wears down the cliff, the cliff is described as frowning and unable to resist the sea's constant erosion. The poem ends with a somber tone, as the cliff is ultimately worn away by the sea, until it lies in a 'golden bed'. The poem suggests a larger theme about the power of nature and the inevitability of change and decay over time.

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