"England and Yesterday": A Book of Short Poems
by Louise Imogen Guiney (1861–1920)
- Free to read
- 30 min read
- 26 chapters
- Reading level: 7th grade
"England and Yesterday: A Book of Short Poems" by Louise Imogen Guiney is a collection of short poems written in the late 19th century. This volume captures the essence of England’s landscapes, historical sites, and social conditions, showcasing Guiney’s reflective and often lyrical style. Through her verses, Guiney presents a tapestry of observations and sentiments that engage with both personal and national history. The collection is divided into thematic sections, including sonnets inspired by her experiences in London and Oxford, along with a variety of lyrical poems that delve into nature, love, and English heritage. The poems often explore the relationship between the past and the present, interweaving historical references with vivid imagery and emotional depth. From contemplations on Westminster Abbey to reflections on the social struggles of the time, Guiney's work resonates with a sense of nostalgia and a deep appreciation for the cultural and natural beauty of England. Each poem invites readers to reflect on their own connection to history and the landscapes that shape their identity.
- American poetry · 19th century
Read the opening
Chapter I
ON FIRST ENTERING WESTMINSTER ABBEY.
Holy of England! since my light is short
And faint, O rather by the sun anew
Of timeless passion set my dial true,
That with thy saints and thee I may consort;
And wafted in the cool enshadowed port
Of poets, seem a little sail long due,
And be as one the call of memory drew
Unto the saddle void since Agincourt!
Not now for secular love’s unquiet lease,
Receive my soul, who, rapt in thee erewhile,
Hath broken tryst with transitory things;
But seal with her a marriage and a peace
Eternal, on thine Edward’s altar-isle,
Above the stormless sea of ended kings.
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About this edition
This free edition of "England and Yesterday": A Book of Short Poems by Louise Imogen Guiney comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #52533, released 2016-07-09. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Poetry, British Literature.
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