A sonnet is a moment's monument,-- Memorial from the Soul's eternity To one dead deathless hour. Look that it be, Whether for lustral rite or dire portent, Of its own arduous fulness reverent: Carve it in ivory or in ebony, As Day or Night may rule; and let Time see Its flowering crest impearled and orient. A Sonnet is a coin: its face reveals The soul,--its converse, to what Power 'tis due:-- Whether for tribute to the august appeals Of Life, or dower in Love's high retinue, It serve: or, 'mid the dark wharf's cavernous breath, In Charon's palm it pay the toll to Death. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...NAMING FOR LOVE by HAYDEN CARRUTH DRIFTERS: BELLA COOLA TO WILLIAMS LAKE by KAREN SWENSON STREET LANTERNS by MARY ELIZABETH COLERIDGE ON THE DEATH OF MR. WILLIAM HERVEY by ABRAHAM COWLEY |