Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part II. - XXVIII - Reflections

By William Wordsworth

Sonnet
Grant me, O Lord, the pensive way to keep, And while the glories of the world are lost In the soft quiet of the thoughtless deep, Let not the treasure of my soul be crossed. Vain, fleeting pageant! how the Past will weep, While softly stealing on the present day, The sun-lit stream of gladness, onward cast Its golden joy, and a bright smiling ray Of hope will bless it with the precious tear, That for the poor, the struggling, and the sad, Will gleam like sunshine on a desert drear. But with the heart, that cannot thus be glad, Nor eye, nor voice, nor tear, will be sincere, But joy will die, and in its place will come An evil so profound, no heart may dare To tell its doom, nor pray for such a fate.
Written: 1822-01-01

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Poem Details

Date Written: 1822-01-01
Date Published: 1822-01-01
Language: English
Keywords: Ecclesiastical Sonnets, Reflection, Reflections, Pensive, Hope
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher: W.Wordsworth
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
A sonnet from Part II of the Ecclesiastical Sonnets series where Wordsworth offers reflections on life, hope, and the fleeting nature of worldly glories. The poem emphasizes the importance of maintaining a pensive and reflective mindset, acknowledging the struggles and sorrows of life while holding onto hope and faith in the face of adversity.

Understanding the Sonnet

The sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry, known for its strict structure and profound themes. With a history spanning centuries, sonnets have been used to explore love, beauty, politics, and mortality, all within the confines of just 14 lines.

Sonnets are characterized by their precise form and rhyme scheme, which vary depending on the type of sonnet. Here’s a closer look:

  • Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Composed of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This form often builds a complex argument or narrative, culminating in a powerful closing statement.
  • Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), with a typical rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns in the sestet such as CDECDE or CDCDCD. The octave usually presents a problem, with the sestet providing a resolution.
  • Meter: Sonnets are traditionally written in iambic pentameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances its emotional impact.

The sonnet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a small but potent package, making it a favorite form for poets seeking to explore profound themes with precision and elegance.