I remember my high school English teacher Dr. Hardcastle reciting this poem from memory with perfect, crisp diction. (Sweet day! So cool, so calm, so bright! was actually a line he was apt to declaim on nice mornings, when the rest of us were gazing longingly out of the windows.) He taught us that George Herbert had been a priest, and this poem part of a liturgical tradition. Knowing this, it is easier to see the poem as both a celebration of seasons and consonants, as well as a dark reminder of a priest's ever present knowledge of judgment and death. It is balanced in contrasts: dawn and dusk, blooming and withering, sweet spring, and its close, a soul and its 'vertuous' reward - life, when all else may be turned to coal.
Dr. Hardcastle was in his early sixties when he was my teacher in high school, and I expect that the fatal refrain of this poem has come to him. Still, every new, dew-bright day in Spring reminds me of this poem, and of him -- a virtuous man gone to his reward, as they say, whatever that might be.
The Temple (1633), by George Herbert:
Vertue
Sweet day, so cool, so calm, so bright,
The bridall of the earth and skie:
The dew shall weep thy fall to night;
For thou must die.
Sweet rose, whose hue angrie and brave
Bids the rash gazer wipe his eye:
Thy root is ever in its grave
And thou must die.
Sweet spring, full of sweet dayes and roses,
A box where sweets compacted lie;
My musick shows ye have your closes,
And all must die.
Onely a sweet and vertuous soul,
Like season’d timber, never gives;
But though the whole world turn to coal,
Then chiefly lives.
Poetry Friday graces the blog of The Miss Rumphius Effect today; gather round and bring your verses.
What a lovely first line. And perfect for reciting to a drowsy class trapped inside the window. I think I can put that to use. Gorgeous photo too!
ReplyDeleteDitto on the photo. Wow.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this poem, and your thoughtful set-up. Your words about your teacher make me a little teary.
There is nothing like a teacher recting poetry as part of everyday life to get a girl started on the right path, is there? Sweet day...
ReplyDeleteI really like this one. Life is beautiful-- and we must die. Yup.
ReplyDeleteEven his name sounds poetic. How wonderful to have a teacher like that, one whose voice can be remembered, even years later. It's what they say AND how they say it, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteThat is a very quotable first line. It's perfect for a day like today. And I agree - the photo is divine.
ReplyDeleteI've always liked that poem, but had forgotten about it--thanks for bringing it back to mind! I think I appreciate it more now, too...
ReplyDeleteSIGH. No time for Poetry Friday this week. And I was even working on a poem of my own that I was hoping to post, but I haven't had time to finish it.
Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't familiar with that poem. Thank you for sharing it, and the story, and the beautiful photo.
ReplyDeleteI'd echo what Liz said.
ReplyDeleteI can't remember any of my high school English teachers reciting poetry. I wish I had some who did.
Great poem and post. Love the memories of your wonderful Dr. Hardcastle. And that photo is amazing.
ReplyDelete