John Drinkwater's 'Tides' isn't a book with a traditional plot. It's a collection of poems published in 1917, born from the quiet moments of the English countryside and the shadow of the First World War. The poems flow like the title suggests—in waves. One moment you're reading about the steadfast beauty of an old tree or a quiet lane, and the next, you're pulled into reflections on love, artistic creation, and the ghosts of memory. It moves from the solid ground of nature to the more restless waters of human emotion.

Why You Should Read It

I loved this book for its honesty. Drinkwater doesn't try to be overly clever or dramatic. His voice feels direct and clear, like someone thinking aloud. The poems about nature aren't just pretty pictures; they feel like anchors. In a time of great upheaval (the war is a quiet presence in the background), he finds something lasting in a hillside or a stream. The love poems are tender without being sappy, and the poems about time have a real weight to them. It made me slow down and appreciate the small, steady things.

Final Verdict

This is for the quiet reader. It's for anyone who enjoys classic, accessible poetry that focuses on feeling and image over complex puzzles. If you like the gentle, thoughtful spirit of poets like Edward Thomas or early Robert Frost, you'll find a friend here. It's also a fascinating window into a specific moment in history, seen through the eyes of a thoughtful observer. Perfect for a rainy day, a park bench, or when you need a break from the noise.