Wednesday, April 22, 2009

'Easter Wings' by George Herbert

The 49th Poem of the Week is George Herbert's 'Easter Wings'. An example of a pattern poem, written in 'carmen figuration', this poem was published in 1633. It's a good prompt for pupils to make poems in appropriate shapes... Above, the way it was originally published. Below, the text:-

Lord, who createdst man in wealth and store,
Though foolishly he lost the same,
Decaying more and more,
Till he became
Most poore:
With thee
Oh let me rise
As larks, harmoniously,
And sing this day thy victories:
Then shall the fall further the flight in me.

My tender age in sorrow did beginne:
And still with sicknesses and shame
Thou didst so punish sinne,
That I became
Most thinne.
With thee
Let me combine
And feel this day thy victorie:
For, if I imp my wing on thine
Affliction shall advance the flight in me.

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