Vox Populi

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William Wordsworth: Surprised by Joy

Surprised by joy—impatient as the Wind
I turned to share the transport—Oh! with whom
But Thee, long buried in the silent Tomb,
That spot which no vicissitude can find?
Love, faithful love, recalled thee to my mind—
But how could I forget thee?—Through what power,
Even for the least division of an hour,
Have I been so beguiled as to be blind
To my most grievous loss!—That thought’s return
Was the worst pang that sorrow ever bore,
Save one, one only, when I stood forlorn,
Knowing my heart’s best treasure was no more;
That neither present time, nor years unborn
Could to my sight that heavenly face restore.


Public Domain

The sonnet ‘Surprised by joy’ is an elegy for Wordsworth’s daughter Catherine, who died in 1812, aged three.

5 comments on “William Wordsworth: Surprised by Joy

  1. Lisa Zimmerman
    September 18, 2023

    ❤️💔

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Clayton Clark
    September 15, 2023

    So achingly beautiful. Thanks for posting this.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. laureannebosselaar
    September 15, 2023

    I turned to share the transport—Oh! with whom
    But Thee, long buried in the silent Tomb,

    ….alas! (Thank you for this elegy, dear Michael)

    Like

    • Vox Populi
      September 15, 2023

      Thank you, Laure-Anne, for loving poems as much as I do.

      >

      Like

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