Notice the rhyme scheme in the poem. Do you notice a consistent pattern? We use a new letter for every new sound at the end of the lines. The rhyme scheme for the first stanza is given alongside the lines. Do it for the rest of the poem.

How do the ‘trees in their autumn beauty’, ‘dry woodland paths’, ‘October twilight’, ‘still sky’ connect to the poet’s own life?

What do ‘the light tread’ and ‘the sore heart’ refer to?

What is the contrast between the liveliness of the swans and human life?

What contributes to the beauty and mystery of the swans’ lives?