Meaning: The quote by Robert Adamson, an Australian poet and editor, reflects on the evolution of his poetry and how it has transformed over time. He mentions that his earlier river poetry was reminiscent of a blend between Percy Bysshe Shelley and Dylan Thomas, two prominent poets known for their lyrical and introspective works. This quote provides insight into the development and maturation of Adamson's poetic style, shedding light on the influences that have shaped his writing.

Robert Adamson is known for his deep connection to nature and the landscape, particularly the Hawkesbury River in New South Wales, Australia. His early poetry often drew inspiration from the river and its surroundings, evoking a sense of the sublime and the timeless in his verses. By referencing Shelley and Dylan Thomas, Adamson highlights the romantic and emotive qualities of his earlier work, suggesting that it bore resemblances to the expressive and passionate poetry associated with these two literary figures.

Percy Bysshe Shelley, a British Romantic poet, was celebrated for his lyrical and idealistic verses that often explored themes of nature, beauty, and the human spirit. His works, such as "Ode to the West Wind" and "To a Skylark," are characterized by their vivid imagery and emotional intensity, reflecting the influence of the natural world on the human experience. Dylan Thomas, a Welsh poet and writer, was known for his rich, musical language and profound exploration of life, death, and the passage of time. His poetry, including "Do not go gentle into that good night" and "Fern Hill," delved into the complexities of existence and the fleeting nature of existence.

By associating his earlier river poetry with the styles of Shelley and Dylan Thomas, Adamson suggests that his early work shared a similar vein of romanticism, emotional depth, and a deep connection to the natural world. However, as he reflects on his current poetry, Adamson intimates that his style has evolved and moved away from this earlier influence. He implies that his new poems represent a departure from the romantic and emotive qualities of his earlier work, indicating a shift in his poetic approach and thematic focus.

This quote offers a glimpse into the trajectory of Adamson's poetic journey, illustrating how his writing has evolved and matured over time. It suggests that his current poetry may reflect a different set of influences or a new artistic direction, signaling a departure from the style that characterized his earlier river poetry. Adamson's willingness to reflect on his own evolution as a poet provides valuable insight into the creative process and the ways in which artists continually grow and reinvent themselves.

In conclusion, Robert Adamson's quote provides a window into the evolution of his poetic style, offering a reflection on the influences that have shaped his work. By referencing the likenesses between his earlier river poetry and the styles of Shelley and Dylan Thomas, Adamson highlights the romantic and emotive qualities that characterized his early writing. However, he also hints at a departure from this earlier influence, suggesting a shift in his poetic approach and thematic focus in his current work. This quote illuminates the dynamic nature of artistic expression and the ways in which poets continually evolve and redefine their craft.