Classic and Contemporary Poetry
NIGHT POEMS: 2, by CHARLES WILLIAMS Poet's Biography First Line: Again in a still peace, in clear Last Line: Endured by all, breathed by how few! Subject(s): Death; Love - Loss Of; Peace; Poetry & Poets; Dead, The | ||||||||
Ille AGAIN in a still peace, in clear Contentment, our twined souls abide, While all about us, far and near, Entangled worlds of being slide. Illa If, dear my lord, on some dark day Fate and the world our love destroy, Shall we not think of this and say: 'What times were ours! and O what joy!' Ille How oft from these delicious springs Of health that promise seems to fly Before us, yet no darkness brings Its trial and redemption nigh! Illa Clasp me more close! if time shall fret Our cords of joy to breaking strands, We may our plighted tongues forget But not these kissed and clasping hands. Ille How marvellously did Love bless My early prayers, but framed anew! I begged from him forgetfulness; He gave forgetfulnessin you. Illa Alas! what praise is this I hear? Now am I worth no lovelier fame From my best poet? then forbear, I will not own so dull a name! Ille My fair Oblivion, be content! Is it a small thing that your bright And unperturbed arbitrament Resolves my trouble out of sight? Illa Not such repose was promised me In those blind moments when my blood, Helpless as in the storm the sea, First leapt to your near neighbourhood. Ille Stilled it not to a sunnier mirth Thereafter? as in me, who feel About the deadly wound of birth Your hidden consolation steal. Illa Wounds though I suffer, let me move Ever in jeopardy and strife, Until, beneath the wrath of love Broken, you nurse me back to life. Ille Since first one starry moment drew Our too-long parted spirits nigh, Time sinks at my arrest: in you To all the world I seem to die. Illa But when on me arose that star From its serene intensity What ardour smote me! lo, the scar Red on my heart possesses me. Ille Joy bring your utmost hope to pass! But if that wild flight touch the sky, Think that, in me reposed, it has A double strength of speed thereby! Illa Nor are your wars, O true and dear, Less glorious that they seem to be Dim raids upon the far frontier Of an entire tranquillity. Ille Thus you, asleep in me, shall vaunt Your courage; I, asleep in you, Shall satisfy that deeper want Endured by all, breathed by how few! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A FRIEND KILLED IN THE WAR by ANTHONY HECHT FOR JAMES MERRILL: AN ADIEU by ANTHONY HECHT TARANTULA: OR THE DANCE OF DEATH by ANTHONY HECHT CHAMPS D?ÇÖHONNEUR by ERNEST HEMINGWAY NOTE TO REALITY by TONY HOAGLAND FOR A CHILD: 1. WALKING SONG by CHARLES WILLIAMS TO MICHAL: SONNETS AFTER MARRIAGE: 8. AFTER RONSARD by CHARLES WILLIAMS |
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