Midnight over earth, peaceful slumber sits.
I stay awake in gloom. I cannot sleep,
For there’s a gale in me, fanned by afrits,
Who work a potent bellows high and deep
So that his poem comes forth and makes me weep.
And though this world is often cold and stern,
His words this night a magic vigil keep
As though his ancient taper did return.
You were so young, but what it was you said,
Or wrote, within that transitory gloom
Renews me as one lifted from the dead.
Your poem and soul will long outlive the tomb,
A brilliant poem, each splendid golden ray,
And like the Sun, will never burn away.
Author notes
White died at the age of twenty one in 1806. This sonnet is based upon his sonnet "To A Taper" http://oldpoetry.com/opoem/51798-Henry-Kirke-White-Sonnet-To-A-Taper
In a list
Please tell me what you think
Comments
-
a lovely tribute to a fantastic poet. i like the personification of the taper and the tone of this piece. the idea that poetry can be a comfort is so perfect!
, Dannie
-
This is a wonderful tribute poem Michael, I read the poem by White and it too was brilliant. Well done with this, a fantastic poem.
-
You would be the BEST English literature instructor and could inspire your students to become acquainted with the Old Poets in a marvelous series of studying authors' poetry. We might look farther than Shakespeare, for goodness sakes. This poem is inspiring!
-
Adding your comment:
