Surely, surely 'reversed' must have been pronounced back then in three syllables... Or else should be done so in this poem, even if it doesn't say 'reversèd'.
Also, though it's hard for us now, the the last three words of line 4 surely must be said in three syllables, not four. Anyone who's read much poetry of a significant time in the past will see heaven has to be said as one syllable in these old works. Here the line would have to sound something like 'heav' 'nand'.
Don't let anyone take these as criticisms, but rather thoughts... I'm only obsessed with rhythm and all that, how poems sound...
I think the meter flowing along well helps much in memorization too... Almost all of the lines or passages of poetry I've had stay in memory without conscious effort had meter (and usually rhyme) that almost make them stick in your head.
"The soul in paraphrase" ! ... I was introduced to Herbert through Barbara Pym's "A Glass of Blessings", where the characters of the same class cap off each other's cites of verse. Frank Kermode's Metaphysical Poets anthology was helpful to me in navigating the crazy zigzagery of images in Marvell, Donne, etc.
Other intriguing Pym titles were "The Sweet Dove Died" and "Less Than Angels." Recently a novel was named after a line in Wallace Stevens's "Auroras of Autumn" but to little notice ("This is Where the Serpent Lives").
Very much enjoyed this! I love this line: "The milky way, the bird of Paradise". Of course there's the cosmic grand Milky Way but then there's also the milkiness, the nourishment, and then we fall to the ground, to the bird in the Garden
George Herbert! And thankyou for this choice. Also if we were thinking by vote, I like you have felt that memorization if is not the persuasion from poetry is the mark of that beast. How else to reach us forexample in our sleep? Your marked. George Herbert 1830?
well done Henry, I enjoyed that.
Really looking forward to The Whitsun Weddings. No pressure mate.
I dearly cherish these poems. (I) is eminently memorable, image-wealthy and clever.
Surely, surely 'reversed' must have been pronounced back then in three syllables... Or else should be done so in this poem, even if it doesn't say 'reversèd'.
Also, though it's hard for us now, the the last three words of line 4 surely must be said in three syllables, not four. Anyone who's read much poetry of a significant time in the past will see heaven has to be said as one syllable in these old works. Here the line would have to sound something like 'heav' 'nand'.
Don't let anyone take these as criticisms, but rather thoughts... I'm only obsessed with rhythm and all that, how poems sound...
oh I am sure you are right, these videos are merely memorisations, I should do better on the recital front
I think the meter flowing along well helps much in memorization too... Almost all of the lines or passages of poetry I've had stay in memory without conscious effort had meter (and usually rhyme) that almost make them stick in your head.
"The soul in paraphrase" ! ... I was introduced to Herbert through Barbara Pym's "A Glass of Blessings", where the characters of the same class cap off each other's cites of verse. Frank Kermode's Metaphysical Poets anthology was helpful to me in navigating the crazy zigzagery of images in Marvell, Donne, etc.
Other intriguing Pym titles were "The Sweet Dove Died" and "Less Than Angels." Recently a novel was named after a line in Wallace Stevens's "Auroras of Autumn" but to little notice ("This is Where the Serpent Lives").
Do keep this up! I suspect public readings of classic poems are a key to any poetic revival. And a finely executed pause for the final word.
Thank you and yes I agree I think memorising in public is important
Very much enjoyed this! I love this line: "The milky way, the bird of Paradise". Of course there's the cosmic grand Milky Way but then there's also the milkiness, the nourishment, and then we fall to the ground, to the bird in the Garden
Happy Easter to you, Henry, and all your readers!
Beautifully read
If you are looking for something other than the King James, may I recommend Robert Alter's translation of the Psalms?
George Herbert! And thankyou for this choice. Also if we were thinking by vote, I like you have felt that memorization if is not the persuasion from poetry is the mark of that beast. How else to reach us forexample in our sleep? Your marked. George Herbert 1830?