The poem “On” by Hilaire Belloc is about the beauty and tranquility of the Sussex countryside in England, where the poet reflects on the serenity of the rolling hills (downs) and his personal experiences, contrasting them with the hustle and bustle of city life. He often highlights themes of nature versus civilization, nostalgia, and the simplicity of life, with Belloc's characteristic straightforward and direct style. Using clear, intelligent, and straightforward prose, characteristic of Hilaire Belloc's polemics, even though this is a poem, it feels narrative. In short, this poem is an ode to the beauty of Sussex's nature and simple life in the countryside, an escape from the busy modern world, as often expressed in Hilaire Belloc's works.