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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
QUICKNESS, by HENRY VAUGHAN Recitation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography
First Line: False life! A foil and no more, when
Last Line: A quickness which my god hath kissed.
Alternate Author Name(s): Silurist
Subject(s): Mortality
First Line: False life! A foil and no more, when
Last Line: A quickness which my god hath kissed.
Alternate Author Name(s): Silurist
Subject(s): Mortality
False life! a foil and no more, when
Wilt thou be gone?
Thou foul deception of all men
That would not have the true come on.
Thou art a moon-like toil; a blind
Self-posing state;
A dark contest of waves and wind;
A mere tempestuous debate.
Life is a fixed, discerning light,
A knowing joy;
No chance, or fit; but ever bright,
And calm and full, yet doth not cloy.
'Tis such a blissful thing, that still
Doth vivify,
And shine and smile, and hath the skill
To please without Eternity.
Thou art a toilsome mole, or less,
A moving mist;
But life is what none can express,
A quickness which my God hath kissed.