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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
A GODDESS; A SONNET ON A GREEK HEAD, by JAMES DUVAL PHELAN
First Line: It is not awe that holds one - 'tis not love
Last Line: And humbly man remains devotional.
Subject(s): Statues
First Line: It is not awe that holds one - 'tis not love
Last Line: And humbly man remains devotional.
Subject(s): Statues
It is not awe that holds one—'tis not love.
Too friendly to be strange, yet strangely cold,
Like Night, enfringed by steadfast stars above,
She veils her beauty, lest one prove too bold.
Divinity! Fain dare and venture far
Who pleads a human longing to possess.
But on her brow Pride set a barrier!
Tho prodigal, what tribute proffer less
Than love evoking love? Her pouting lips
Are chastely silent, sweetly eloquent.
The nectar of the gods no mortal sips
Where only Jove himself commands consent!
A Goddess she—no lesser loves enthrall,
And humbly man remains devotional.
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