Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A SONG OF NUNS by JAMES SHIRLEY

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: O FLY, MY SOUL! WHAT HANGS UPON
Last Line: WHEN ALL THE SHADOWS DO INCREASE.
Subject(s): NUNS;
O FLY, my Soul! What hangs upon
Thy drooping wings,
And weighs them down
With love of gaudy mortal things?

The Sun is now i' the east: each shade
As he doth rise
Is shorter made,
That earth may lessen to our eyes.

O be not careless then and play
Until the Star of Peace
Hide all his beams in dark recess!
Poor pilgrims needs must lose their way,
When all the shadows do increase.



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