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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONNETS TO LAURA IN LIFE: 156 by PETRARCH

Poem Explanation

First Line: MY GALLEY CHARGED WITH FORGETFULNESS
Last Line: AND I REMAIN DESPAIRING OF THE PORT.
Subject(s): GRIEF; LOVE - COMPLAINTS; SEA; SHIPS & SHIPPING; STORMS; SORROW; SADNESS; OCEAN;

My galley charged with forgetfulness
Thorough sharp seas in winter nights doth pass
'Tween rock and rock; and eke mine enemy, alas,
That is my lord, steereth with cruelness;
And every oar a thought in readiness.
As though that death were light in such a case.
An endless wind doth tear the sail apace
Of forced sighs, and trusty fearfulness.
A rain of tears, a cloud of dark disdain,
Hath done the wearied cords great hinderance;
Wreathed with error and eke with ignorance,
The stars be hid that led me to this pain;
Drowned in reason that should me consort,
And I remain despairing of the port.



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