Meaning: The quote "Were I a cloud I'd gather My skirts up in the air, And fly well know whither, And rest I well know where." is from the poem "I Love All Beauteous Things" by Robert Bridges. Robert Bridges was an English poet and writer, born in 1844 and passing away in 1930. He was known for his traditional approach to poetry and for being the Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom from 1913 to 1930. The quote reflects the speaker's desire for freedom and the ability to move and rest without constraint, using the metaphor of a cloud to convey a sense of boundless liberty.

In this quote, the speaker imagines themselves as a cloud, expressing a longing for the freedom and boundless movement that a cloud embodies. The idea of "gathering My skirts up in the air" suggests a sense of gathering oneself and preparing to take flight, while the phrase "fly well know whither" conveys a willingness to travel to unknown destinations without a predetermined path or direction. The speaker then expresses a desire to "rest I well know where," indicating a sense of contentment in finding a place of rest and peace, regardless of the uncertainty of the journey.

The imagery of the cloud is used to evoke a sense of ethereal and weightless freedom. Clouds are not bound by the constraints of the earth; they drift with the wind, changing shape and direction without limitation. The speaker's longing to be a cloud reflects a desire to transcend earthly limitations and experience the unrestrained movement and liberty that the natural world offers.

The poem "I Love All Beauteous Things" in which this quote appears is a celebration of the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Bridges' use of vivid imagery and introspective reflections invites readers to contemplate the profound connection between human emotions and the natural environment. Through the metaphor of the cloud, the speaker expresses a yearning for a sense of liberation and tranquility that can be found in the boundless expanse of the sky.

Bridges' poetic style is characterized by its traditional form and structure, drawing on classical influences and metered verse. His works often explore themes of nature, love, and spirituality, and he is recognized for his skillful use of language and imagery to evoke profound emotional and philosophical insights.

Overall, the quote "Were I a cloud I'd gather My skirts up in the air, And fly well know whither, And rest I well know where" encapsulates the longing for freedom, movement, and peaceful repose. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of poetry to capture the complexities of human experience and the timeless beauty of the natural world.