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I'm glad I am alive, to see and feel
The full deliciousness of this bright day,
That's like a heart with nothing to conceal;
The young leaves scarcely trembling; the blue-grey
Rimming the cloudless ether far away;
Brairds, hedges, shadows; mountains that reveal
Soft sapphire; this great floor of polished steel
Spread out amidst the landmarks of the bay.
I stoop in sunshine to our circling net
From the black gunwale; tend these milky kine
Up their rough path; sit by yon cottage-door
Plying the diligent thread; take wings and soar,
O hark how with the season's laureate
Joy culminates in song! If such a song were mine!
This poem is in the public domain.
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William Allingham (1824-1889) was an Irish poet whose work was best known for its lyrical phrasing, simplicity, and charm. Author of nearly a dozen books, he was a customs house official for most of his life, although he did work as a magazine editor late in life. Known as "the bard of Ballyshannon" (the town from which he came), William was a friend and fan of Alfred Lord Tennyson, as well the Brownings and Rosettis. In addition to writing poetry, William enjoyed collecting folk songs and ballads and even wrote a few of his own.
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Anastasia:
How wonderful! Allingham is a new poet to me. Thank you for broadening my horizons, Jayne!
Posted 05/17/2021 01:17 PM
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Ron Stewart:
A finely crafted sonnet
Thank you Jayne for allowing us to step back into history
Posted 05/12/2021 09:52 AM
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michael escoubas:
I have always marvelled at the craftsmanship of poets writing during the Victorian era. This poem and poet are new to me. Thank you, Jayne.
Posted 05/12/2021 09:37 AM
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Nicholas:
It's so difficult to write a poem about Spring but Allingham does it with aplomb. Each word and twist of phrasing in the sonnet sings out.
Posted 05/12/2021 05:23 AM
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