Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, GHAZELES: 3. WRITTEN AT AMALFI, by RICHARD MONCKTON MILNES


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

GHAZELES: 3. WRITTEN AT AMALFI, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: It is the mid-may sun, that, rayless and peacefully gleaming
Last Line: Bound in the world's dead sleep -- dried up by its treacherous seeming.
Alternate Author Name(s): Houghton, 1st Baron; Houghton, Lord
Subject(s): Italy; Italians


IT is the mid-May Sun, that, rayless and peacefully gleaming,
Out of its night's short prison, this blessed of lands is redeeming;
It is the fire evoked from the hearts of the citron and orange,
So that they hang, like lamps of the day, translucently beaming;
It is the veinless water, and air unsoiled by a vapour,
Save what, out of the fullness of life, from the valley is steaming;
It is the olive that smiles, even he, the sad growth of the moonlight,
Over the flowers, whose breasts triple-folded with odours are teeming;
Yes, it is these bright births, that to me are a shame and an anguish,
They are alive and awake, -- I dream, and know I am dreaming;
I cannot bathe my soul in this ocean of passion and beauty, --
Not one dew-drop is on me of all that about me is streaming;
Oh! I am thirsty for Life, -- I pant for the freshness of Nature,
Bound in the World's dead sleep -- dried up by its treacherous seeming.





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