Coleridge speaks directly to a small river from his childhood, the Otter in Devon. He hasn't seen it for many years, and he thinks back to the last time he skimmed stones across its surface, counting the bounces. Those memories are so vivid that whenever he closes his eyes in sunshine, the whole scene reappears: the clear water, the wooden plank bridge, the grey willows, the varicoloured sand shining through. Now as an adult, these visions of childhood often distract him from lonely cares, but they also bring a deep sigh. He wishes, with aching tenderness, that he could be a careless child again. The mood is gentle and elegiac — equal parts comfort and sadness, like a daydream that slips into regret.
Sonnet — Summary
To the River Otter
Dear native Brook! wild Streamlet of the West! How many various-fated years have past, What happy and what mournful hours, since last I skimm'd the smooth thin stone along thy breast, Numbering its light leaps! yet so deep imprest Sink the sweet scenes of childhood, that mine eyes I never shut amid the sunny ray, But straight with all their tints thy waters rise, Thy crossing plank, thy marge with willows grey, And bedded sand that vein'd with various dyes Gleam'd through thy bright transparence! On my way, Visions of Childhood! oft have ye beguil'd Lone manhood's cares, yet waking fondest sighs: Ah! that once more I were a careless Child!