|
|
Classic and Contemporary Poetry
AN ITALIAN SONNET-SEQUENCE: 2, by PERCY STICKNEY GRANT Poet's Biography First Line: What is the hand but a good instrument Last Line: No gift in that small palm have we espied. Subject(s): Hands; Love | |||
What is the hand but a good instrument Wherewith to fetch or carry, give or take. Formed with no other worth, than for the sake Of power to guide some force to mind's intent? A worthless shell, in which a pearl is pent; A shapely rind from which the fruit we break; A vessel full of wears of Indian make, Built for its cargo from the Orient. "Why, then," cried heart, "Why am I throbbing so?" "O, then," cried eyes, "Why do we shine so bright?" "And I," cried hand, "Why am I satisfied? When you but touch a lady's hand we know?" Now, on your faith, are you consistent quite? No gift in that small palm have we espied. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE INVENTION OF LOVE by MATTHEA HARVEY TWO VIEWS OF BUSON by ROBERT HASS A LOVE FOR FOUR VOICES: HOMAGE TO FRANZ JOSEPH HAYDN by ANTHONY HECHT AN OFFERING FOR PATRICIA by ANTHONY HECHT LATE AFTERNOON: THE ONSLAUGHT OF LOVE by ANTHONY HECHT A SWEETENING ALL AROUND ME AS IT FALLS by JANE HIRSHFIELD A CALL TO PRAYER by PERCY STICKNEY GRANT |
| |