The Isle of Palms, and Other Poems

"The Isle of Palms, and Other Poems" by John Wilson is a compilation of poems from the 1800s, with the title poem telling a touching story of love enduring through difficulties, all set on a peaceful island and the sea. Through poetic language, the collection looks into the themes of nature, the beauty of the seas, and the emotions between the main characters as they face what fate has for them. The start of "The Isle of Palms" pulls you in by describing the sea at night with peaceful elements, which makes a dream-like mood. In this calm setting, the poem introduces the ship and feelings of people on board as they start off on a life-changing adventure. The poems throughout the collection shows not only the beauty of the sea and stars but also the deep fears and hopes of the characters as they face worries about their relationships, dangers, and disasters. The opening poem shows the longing for quiet and the beauty of the land, which sets the stage for intense stories that continue in the heart of the collection.