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Oxford Sonnet

An Oxford Sonnet

We came again to city of spires and dreams
There: were England's aspirations built and carved
In honeyed stone of Jurassic coral seas
Where minds are sculpted, nurtured and preserved
From ancient college, fount of Nation's learning
Beyond oak doors, The High tells tale in stone
The buildings speak eloquence of spirits' yearning
In stately palace and in humble home
In the sun wide eyed emperors gaze in bewildered senescence
By Sheldonian and Clarendon, symbols of human elation
And in night darkened square the Camera's massive presence 
Is viscerally discerned as of primal creation
Here we sought to kindle embers and to start
The fires of invention in youthful hearts


Notes
'The High' = The High Street, lined with historic architecture.
The 'emperors' = the series of sculpted heads on pillars that fence The Sheldonian Theatre.
The Clarendon Building = a fine and noble example of English Baroque.
The Radcliffe Camera = Iconic large Rotunda housing a library

Contest entered with NA : Cityscape
11 Jan 2020

Copyright © | Year Posted 2020




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Date: 2/27/2020 4:40:00 PM
such a vivid descriptive write Geoffrey, I struggle with sonnets you have written a lovely poem, Many congrats on your win:-) hugs Jan xx
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Date: 2/27/2020 2:28:00 PM
I have never visited this building but would love to one day. It is a stunning building Geoffrey and you convey its beauty skillfully in this wonderful winning poem! Congratulations! xxoo
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Date: 1/12/2020 12:24:00 PM
Ah, Oxford. The very name is redolent of tradition and academic rigor in an oasis of free inquiry. May it ever flourish! Thanks for the reminder of its grandeur, Geoffrey. Best wishes, Gershon
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Geoffrey Brewer
Date: 1/22/2020 9:15:00 AM
Thank you for your appreciation, Gershon

Book: Reflection on the Important Things