It's still close enough to Easter for an Easter poem, right? Good, because that's what I want to share today. Sometimes I have a hard time relating to and understanding poetry written many, many years ago. The words that are used, the way they are put together, and the symbolism employed can be more than my simple mind can handle. One of the few exceptions to this is John Donne. And I think part of that has to do with the fact that many of his themes are religious. Somehow, that makes them easier for me to understand.
Most readers are familiar with his Holy Sonnet 10 {Death, be not proud}, but one that I also enjoy is Ascension. It speaks to Christ overcoming death, which is beautiful, but I love the three images Donne shares of Christ - a mighty ram, a meek lamb, and a light to the world. All are quite fitting.
Ye whose true tears, or tribulation
Have purely wash'd, or burnt your drossy clay.
Behold, the Highest, parting hence away,
Lightens the dark clouds, which He treads upon;
Nor doth he by ascending show alone,
But first He, and He first enters the way.
O strong Ram, which hast batter'd heaven for me!
Mild lamb, which with Thy Blood hast mark'd the path!
Bright Torch, which shinest, that I the way may see!
O, with Thy own Blood quench Thy own just wrath;
And if Thy Holy Spirit my Muse did raise,
Deign at my hands this crown of prayer and praise.
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