|
|
|
Classic and Contemporary Poetry
IN THE SHADOWS: 21, by DAVID GRAY (1838-1861) Poet's Biography
First Line: Sometimes, when sunshine and blue sky prevail
Last Line: And sink into my habit of despair.
Subject(s): Despair; Sickness; Illness
First Line: Sometimes, when sunshine and blue sky prevail
Last Line: And sink into my habit of despair.
Subject(s): Despair; Sickness; Illness
Sometimes, when sunshine and blue sky prevail --
When spent winds sleep, and, from the budding larch,
Small birds, with incomplete, vague sweetness, hail
The unconfirmed, yet quickening life of March, --
Then say I to myself, half-eased of care,
Toying with hope as with a maiden's token, --
"This glorious, invisible fresh air
Will clear my blood till the disease be broken."
But slowly, from the wild and infinite west,
Up-sails a cloud, full-charged with bitter sleet.
The omen gives my spirit deep unrest;
I fling aside the hope, as indiscreet, --
A false enchantment, treacherous and fair, --
And sink into my habit of despair.
Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!
Other Poems of Interest...
A SICK CHILD by RANDALL JARRELL
AFTERNOON AT MACDOWELL by JANE KENYON
HAVING IT OUT WITH MELANCHOLY by JANE KENYON
SONNET: 9. HOPE by WILLIAM LISLE BOWLES
IN THE SHADOWS: 19 by DAVID GRAY (1838-1861)