As already stated, this is not an easy poem to engage with on a first reading but on closer analysis layers of meaning become more apparent. In structuring the poem in an arguably awkward way (no rhyme scheme, irregular length passages and a welter of punctuation), Coleridge has forced us to examine it with greater deliberation. In this way the techniques used have been effective not only in providing a challenging piece of work but also one where, after some investigation, we are able to understand the poet’s joy with his life.