The Dying Day-Eden Phillpotts

THE DYING DAY

The lights of even flow on high-

Lilac and fading rose and gold-

That drift from east into the west,

For day is growing old.

Still the thrush sings, the blackbirds cry,

And young lambs scamper through the fold,

Nor seek the mother's side to rest,

Nor feel the breeze bite cold.

Wide waves of darkness dim the sky;

Day leaves the woodland and the wood;

Eyes shut in Holt and feathered nest;

The curfew's knell is knocked.

EDEN PHILLPOTTS

Summary: 'The Dying Day' by Eden Phillpots captures the serene yet melancholic atmosphere of twilight. The poem describes the fading lights of evening, painted in lilac, rose, and gold, as they drift from east to west, signaling the aging of the day. Despite the encroaching darkness, nature remains active; the thrush continues to sing, blackbirds cry, and young lambs play in the fold, seemingly oblivious to the growing cold. As the waves of darkness envelop the sky, day retreats from the woodland, and eyes close in both Holt and feathered nests. The mention of the curfew's knell being knocked suggests the final tolling of the evening bell, marking the conclusion of the day and the onset of night. The poem beautifully captures the transition from day to bight and the simultaneous activity and quietude of nature during this transformative period.