Three Years She Grew In Sun and Shower

In the first stanza, the poet is reflecting on the growth of a girl named Lucy over the course of three years, during which time she experienced both the warmth of the sun and the refreshing rains of spring. Then, Nature speaks and says that Lucy is the loveliest flower that has ever been planted on earth, and that she wants to take Lucy under her care and guidance.

Nature decides to make Lucy into a "Lady of her own" meaning that she will mold and shape her into a refined and noble woman, while overseeing her growth and development in every aspect of her life.

In this stanza, Nature is speaking and referring to Lucy as "my darling". Nature says that she will be both "law and impulse" to Lucy, meaning that she will guide and inspire her in all things. The phrase "with me" emphasizes that Nature will always be present with Lucy, regardless of where she is.

Nature goes on to say that Lucy will feel an "overseeing power" in all places, including rocky terrain, open plains, the earth and sky, and in peaceful settings like glades and bowers. This power will be able to "kindle or restrain Lucy's actions and emotions, suggesting that Nature will help her find balance and harmony in all things.

Here, the poet describes the nature of the girl's upbringing under the guidance of nature. The girl is compared to a fawn, which is known for its grace and playfulness. The girl will be full of energy and enthusiasm as she frolics in the meadows or the mountain springs.

The second part of the stanza describes the girl's relationship with nature. She will be surrounded by the natural world and experience a sense of peace and tranquility. The "breathing balm" suggests that nature will provide her with a soothing and refreshing environment. The girl will also experience the "silence and calm" of inanimate objects, indicating that she will learn to be still and quiet like the natural world around her.

This stanza is describing how the natural world will shape and influence the character of Lucy, the girl being raised by Nature. The floating clouds and the willow trees will lend their essence to her, as she observes them and becomes familiar with their qualities. Even the motion of storms, which can be violent, will contribute to the development of Lucy's character, instilling in her a sense of grace and composure by way of "silent sympathy".

The stanza implies that Lucy's character will be formed not only by the nurturing care of Nature but also by the beauty and power of the natural world around her.

The stars at midnight are presented as something special and cherished to the child, and she will lean her ear in many secret places where the rivulets (small streams) dance their wayward round. The phrase "beauty born of murmuring sound" suggests that the sound of the flowing rivulets creates or generates a sense of beauty that is passed on to the girl's face, implying that she will be affected and influenced by the beauty of nature in ways that are both physical and emotional.

The phrase "stately height" in this context refers to the idea that Lucy's emotions and experiences, represented by the "vital feelings of delight" will elevate her to a dignified and impressive stature. It suggests that as she grows and develops, she will become a mature and respected woman. The line "Her virgin bosom swell" conveys the idea that the girl is growing into a young woman, and that this growth is a natural and beautiful part of the process of becoming an adult.

The speaker mentions that Lucy will be given such thoughts while she and the speaker live together in the happy valley. This paragraph highlights the idea that Lucy will be provided positive thoughts and experiences to help her develop into a woman of grace and beauty.

The last stanza is reflecting on the death of Lucy. The poet describes how Nature had taken Lucy under her guidance, promising to oversee her growth and development. However, despite the promise of a long life full of happiness, Lucy's time on earth was short, and she died. The speaker is left with the memory of what has passed, and the natural landscape that was once a part of Lucy's life.

The final sentence, "The memory of what has been, and never more will be" suggests a feeling of grief and loss, as the speaker mourns the passing of his daughter and the loss of the life they once shared together.