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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


IDOLATRY: THREE SONNETS: 1 by WILLIAM BRIAN HOOKER

First Line: I MUST FORGET LIFE, ERE YOU SHALL PERSUADE
Last Line: LIFTING MY HEAD SERENELY OUT OF HELL.

I must forget life, ere you shall persuade
My heart beyond it. Though at last I came
Without hope to the horror of dark flame,
Or among glad great angels dreamed and prayed,
What matter? Have I not already made
Love's own lips tremulous to breathe my name
And seen all night the lidless eyes of shame
Stare through the darkness where I lay afraid?

I should yearn down from Heaven at the voice
Of a strong child crying out angrily --
Struggle up from Nirvana for the smell
Of rain-sweet woods in Autumn; or rejoice
To watch the moon rise over a dim sea,
Lifting my head serenely out of Hell.



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