;">Fern Hill Farm itself is the most powerful symbol. It is the heart of the poem. It was a real farm in Wales, owned by the poet’s Aunt Annie Jones. For young Dylan Thomas, it was heaven on earth. The farm stands for childhood, joy, and freedom. Everything there, trees, grass, and rivers, felt alive. So, Thomas calls himself, 

“Prince of the apple towns.” 

The farm becomes a symbol of innocence. Later, it turns into a memory. The farm then becomes a symbol of lost happiness.

The Colours Green and Golden: The colours green and golden are repeated throughout the poem. “Green” stands for youth, life, and freshness. “Golden” means beauty, brightness, and joy. Together, they show the perfect world of childhood. Life at Fern Hill Farm was green and golden, young and shining. But time changes all colours. Green fades. Gold turns pale. The colours show how childhood slowly disappears.

The Symbol of Time: Time is both kind and cruel. It lets the boy play and dream. But it also takes away youth and joy. In the end, the poet says, 

“Time held me green and dying.” 

Time is shown as a living power. It gives life but also brings death. This makes time a strong modern symbol of change and truth.

The Religious Symbolism: There are also religious symbols in the poem. The “sabbath,” “holy streams,” and “Adam and maiden” make the farm look like the Garden of Eden. Childhood becomes a holy time, full of purity. It feels as if God is near. The farm becomes a place of creation and peace.

Imagery

The Image of Light: Light fills the poem. The sun, moon, and stars are everywhere. Light stands for joy, energy, and creation. The poet says, 

“It was all shining.” 

The morning at the farm feels like the first morning of the world. He also writes, 

“After the birth of the simple light.” 

It reminds us of God creating light in the Bible. The light becomes a symbol of purity and hope.

The Image of the Sea: The sea is a symbol of eternity and freedom. The poet says, 

“I sang in my chains like the sea.” 

It means he accepts life’s limits but still sings and creates. The sea moves forever, like life. Even when time binds him, his spirit keeps flowing. The image shows strength, acceptance, and endless energy.

The Imagery of Nature and Animals: Nature lives and breathes in every line of the poem. The poet mentions foxes, calves, owls, horses, and rivers. These are not just animals; they are friends of the child. They make the world of Fern Hill Farm alive. These images make childhood magical and real.

In “Fern Hill,” Dylan Thomas uses rich symbols and imagery to express the beauty and loss of childhood. Fern Hill Farm, light, colour, time, sea, and nature all carry deep meanings. The poem shows that life is bright but brief. Childhood may fade, but its light and music live forever in memory.