To Celia by Ben Jonson Drink to me, only, with thine eyes, And I will pledge with mine; Or leave a kiss but in the cup, And I’ll not look for wine. The thirst that from the soul doth rise, Doth ask a drink divine: But might I of Jove’s nectar sup, I would not…
Gerard Manley Hopkins
I’ve always loved his sprung verse, its sounds and rhythms simultaneously reminds me of Old Anglo-Saxon poetry, Yoruba poetry, and rap. As incredible as it may seem, the sad English monk may have foreshadowed some of hip-hop and spoken word’s poetic styles. But don’t take my word for it, listen to Eminem of Pharoahe Monch after…
From ‘Imrani, the Jewish Persian poet
My body exhausted, my soul injured, and my heart wounded I am estranged from the Beloved and distant from myself I am worn out as the wretched I am distraught and mournful as the beggars Having lost the essence of youth, My soul has grown old for want of strength Yet! Despite all these pains…