Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A SONG OF NUNS, by JAMES SHIRLEY



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A SONG OF NUNS, by             Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: O fly, my soul! What hangs upon
Last Line: When all the shadows do increase.
Variant Title(s): A Hymn
Subject(s): Nuns


O FLY, my Soul! What hangs upon
Thy drooping wings,
And weighs them down
With love of gaudy mortal things?

The Sun is now i' the east: each shade
As he doth rise
Is shorter made,
That earth may lessen to our eyes.

O be not careless then and play
Until the Star of Peace
Hide all his beams in dark recess!
Poor pilgrims needs must lose their way,
When all the shadows do increase.





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