Three Poems
Babylon—where I go dreaming
When I weary of to-day,
Weary of a world grown…
Ralph Hodgson (1871-1962) was an influential English poet known for his simple yet profound verses reflecting nature and human experience. Born in Durham, Hodgson's early life and education remain largely undocumented, but his literary career began in earnest in the early 20th century. He was associated with the Georgian poetry movement, which sought to evoke natural beauty and rural life, often in reaction to the industrialization of Britain.
Hodgson gained prominence with the publication of "The Bull" in 1913, a poem epitomizing his clear and contemplative style. His works often explored themes of nature and man's place within it, exhibiting a lyrical clarity and emotional depth. "The Song of Honour" (1913) and "Eve" (1913) are among his other notable works.
Despite his relatively small body of work, Hodgson left a lasting impact on English literature. In 1914, he moved to the United States, where he continued to write and teach, eventually settling in Japan before returning to the U.S. to live out his final years in Minerva, Ohio. His contributions to poetry were recognized with the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry in 1954. Ralph Hodgson remains celebrated for his ability to distill complex emotions and universal truths into deceptively simple lines.