Week 6 Reading Notes: Part A_ "The Coming Night"

William Nauns Ricks

Born in Wytheville, Virginia
Mother's great-grandfather was of Indian and African Heritage
Moved to Southern CA after serving in the 24th US Infantry, earning the US Medal for Service.
1902 - first published poem
1904 - moved to San Francisco
1906 - moved to Oakland

"The Coming Night"
(From the Berkeley Hills)
written in 1913; published in 1914

4 stanza poem; each consisting on 8 lines
rhyming patern: abababab

1st stanza:
lea= meadow / pasture
resplendent = splendid / magnificent

describes the sky as the night begins to come. The clouds are hanging low across the meadows while the sun sits just above the ocean and a gentle wind is blowing. Peaceful.

2nd stanza:
describes the animals as they prepare for night; cattle, doves, sea-gulls, swallows. Continuing the peaceful setting.

3rd stanza:
describing the effects the sun has on its surroundings as it begins to set behind the Berkeley hills. Colors: gold, "thousand colors blended" amethyst, violet, and a trio of green, brown, scarlet

4th stanza:
the sun has finally set, leaving the surroundings in darkness and silence.