I have been given the task of producing my favourite poem, of about 14 lines for my son to learn and recite to the class. Out came my favourite anthology of poetry from my university days that has travelled around the world several times. I wandered all about it but always knew that Lord Byron would win the day. He was a most difficult man but that's my speciality and he had such a way with words...
She Walks in Beauty
She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellowed to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impaired the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o'er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling place.
And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!
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Byron is definitely one of my favorites! Thank you for reminding me about him tonight :-)
ReplyDeletei haven't read any poetry in a really long time, thank you for reminding me of what i'm missing - will go and find some poetry books the first chance i get and will indulge.
ReplyDeleteIda Virgin and nixie: One of the things so many of the romantic poets have in common is this concept of a most virtuous woman - a woman who is serene, thinks good thoughts and does good deeds; a woman with "a heart whose love is innocent".
ReplyDeleteThey are profoundly beautiful.