Redemption by George Herbert
February 4th 2009 04:20
Having been tenant long to a rich lord,
Not thriving, I resolved to be bold,
And make a suit unto him, to afford
A new small-rented lease, and cancel the old.
In heaven at his manor I him sought;
They told me there that he was lately gone
About some land, which he had dearly bought
Long since on earth, to take possession.
I straight returned, and knowing his great birth,
Sought him accordingly in great resorts;
In cities, theaters, gardens, parks, and courts;
At length I heard a ragged noise and mirth
Of thieves and murderers; there I him espied,
Who straight, Your suit is granted, said, and died.
Yay, another religious poem by a long-dead white guy. But seriously, I love this sonnet. The structure and form are so tight, and the diction is exactly precise. Rhythm is nice and easy but executed with intention; the poem is very concise--no wordiness here. Tight narrative feel, builds up tension, concludes with a powerfully hitting line.
No time to talk tonight; just mull over the power of this poem while I regain my sanity. See you all tomorrow!
Not thriving, I resolved to be bold,
And make a suit unto him, to afford
A new small-rented lease, and cancel the old.
In heaven at his manor I him sought;
They told me there that he was lately gone
About some land, which he had dearly bought
Long since on earth, to take possession.
I straight returned, and knowing his great birth,
Sought him accordingly in great resorts;
In cities, theaters, gardens, parks, and courts;
At length I heard a ragged noise and mirth
Of thieves and murderers; there I him espied,
Yay, another religious poem by a long-dead white guy. But seriously, I love this sonnet. The structure and form are so tight, and the diction is exactly precise. Rhythm is nice and easy but executed with intention; the poem is very concise--no wordiness here. Tight narrative feel, builds up tension, concludes with a powerfully hitting line.
No time to talk tonight; just mull over the power of this poem while I regain my sanity. See you all tomorrow!
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