Tribute To the Memory of John Keats

Tribute To The Memory Of John Keats

Child of the storm-swift Hermes, lithe and strong
To Trojan tumult, had the gods thus willed,
They gave thee one short year of riper song
And more melodious than ever filled
The heart of youth; they gave thee power to build
A noble altar for thy offering
Amid the heedlessness that had long chilled
True poesy, true souls that fain would sing.

And thou, from depths of silent agony,
Hast left unto the world such rich bequest
Of love's own loveliness that thy last rest
Becometh as the soul's own sanctuary
To all that long have learnt of thee to wear
Sun-raiment in the shadowy House of Care.

R.J. Lindley
Sept. 9th 1975
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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O.J. Hunt Avatar
February 28, 2018 at 11:34 AM
Back again to read Robert, I forgot I already faved this, I couldn't find it.... Faving again. This poem has got to be the best Keats tribute ever;-)
Coreggia Avatar
May 10, 2017 at 5:03 AM
Robert, thank you for releasing such marvels from your bountiful treasure chest:) Amitiés
O.J. Hunt Avatar
April 23, 2017 at 12:08 PM
A magnificent tribute Robert; I have Keats' collection of poems an have read much of him and his letters; he would be proud of this piece which has so much of the 'Holy Affections of the Heart'.:-) A fave....
Lindley Avatar
April 23, 2017 at 9:09 AM
Sorry for not replying, I have been sick these last few days my friend. I have been posting old poems, instead of writing any new... Check the date ,1975, Seeker, tis not new --just an old poem from my private journal, have about 6 hundred ( from my youth) never shown to anybody . Yes, reading his bio--will give more insight into this poem.
Raha Avatar
April 22, 2017 at 2:11 AM
Sir Robert,What a wonderful tribute to a great poet.
Williams Avatar
April 22, 2017 at 1:07 AM
Robert what a truly gifted poet you are, how easily your beautiful words flow. A 7+++
Wolf Avatar
April 22, 2017 at 12:05 AM
Robert, I'm keeping this one! I have the complete poetry of his works, Remember this lil one? WOMEN, WINE, AND SNUFF: Give me women, wine and snuff, Until I cry out "hold, enough!" You may do so sans objection, Till the day of resurrection; For bless my beard they aye shall be, My beloved Trinity.
Marie Avatar
April 21, 2017 at 9:48 PM
Historical pieces are always fascinating to me and that you write of a poet of great historical significance, is uniquely suited to you Robert. Your writing style and language is wonderful, this is a beautiful tribute. Lovely writing, a pleasure to read. blessings xxx
Vaso Avatar
April 21, 2017 at 9:17 PM
I love historical writes!! This is an historical poem on an historical poet!!! :)
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