When I Have Fears – John Keats

Keats is reflecting on his imminent death in this poem. He talks about his fears of leaving the world before realizing his dreams and literary ambitions. The poet says he may die at any time so before dying he has to finish his work, but again he has a fear that he may die anytime and may be his work will be incomplete.
In the poem the poet says that before dying he has to put all his ideas and thoughts into book form. His ideas and thoughts are like grains which are kept in the store house for harvesting. The ideas are collected in the minds of the poet and it will be empty only when he is going to put those words in written form.
When the poet looks at the sky he sees many stars and clouds which is a symbol of romance, suddenly he thinks that he may not see the same stars because at that time he will be dead. Then he thinks of the beautiful woman whom he saw in a public park. The poet becomes sad because he won’t be able to see that woman nor express or enjoy the passion of love if he dies. He is also afraid that he won’t be able to see the woman again. He has a fear of death so he will not be able to feel the delight of magic of love though his love is irresponsible and unthinkable.
These thoughts of love and his ambition in poetry kindle the fear of death and so he feels that he is standing alone on the shore of the wide world. A sudden loneliness is felt by the poet. When he thinks of death love and fame becomes nothing and the fear of death becomes the most over powering feeling in him.