Anna Wickham’s speaker wonders what makes Clarissa’s love so healing. Instead of giving a direct answer, the poem turns to a natural image. Clarissa’s mind is clear as streams that flow down rock steps into a valley below. The water catches sunlight and throws a rainbow in its spray, and its movement seems to sing. The healing quality is not explained as magic; it is felt through that image of openness, freshness, ease, and light. The speaker feels grateful and a little awed, as if watching something naturally beautiful and reliable. The mood is bright, calm, and quietly musical. It suggests that Clarissa’s love heals because her mind is clear, active, and joyful rather than heavy or confused. The question is answered gently by the picture itself.
Sung of Clarissa — Summary
Why is there healing in her love? Her mind is clear as streams that flow Down rock-steps to a vale below, Bearing on spray the Sun's bright bow. And singing as they move.