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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONNET: NON PAX-EXPECTATIO by FRANCIS THOMPSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: HUSH! 'TIS THE GAP BETWEEN TWO LIGHTNINGS. ROOM
Last Line: PERCHANCE MAY STAY THE NEXT. WHO KNOWS, WHO KNOWS?

HUSH! 'tis the gap between two lightnings. Room
Is none for peace in this thou callest peace,
This breathing-while wherein the breathings cease.
The pulses sicken, hearkening through the gloom.

Afar the thunders of a coming doom
Ramp on the cowering winds. Lo! at the dread,
Thy heart's tomb yawns and renders up its dead, --
The hopes 'gainst hope embalmed in its womb.

Canst thou endure, if the pent flood o'erflows?
Who is estated heir to constancy?
Behold, I hardly know if I outlast
The minute underneath whose heel I lie;
Yet I endure, have stayed the minute passed,
Perchance may stay the next. Who knows, who knows?



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