W HEN misty, misty mornings come,
When wild geese low are flying,
And down along the reedy marsh
The mallard drakes are crying;
When cattle leave the highest hills,
And blackbirds flock together —
By all these signs the hunter knows
Has come good hunting weather.
Analysis (ai): “Hunting Weather” captures the essence of autumn’s arrival and the anticipation of the hunting season. Austin’s use of sensory imagery, such as “misty, misty” and “low flying,” evokes a clear picture of the changing landscape and the sounds that accompany it. The poem’s structure, with its repeated refrain of “By all these signs,” emphasizes the inevitability and excitement of the hunting season.
Compared to Austin’s other works, “Hunting Weather” is relatively short and straightforward. However, it shares similar themes of nature and the human connection to it. In the context of its time period, the poem reflects the importance of hunting in rural communities and the close relationship between people and the natural world.
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