A Lecture Upon The Shadow Poem by John Donne

A Lecture Upon The Shadow

Rating: 2.8


Stand still, and I will read to thee
A lecture, love, in love's philosophy.
These three hours that we have spent,
Walking here, two shadows went
Along with us, which we ourselves produc'd.
But, now the sun is just above our head,
We do those shadows tread,
And to brave clearness all things are reduc'd.
So whilst our infant loves did grow,
Disguises did, and shadows, flow
From us, and our cares; but now 'tis not so.
That love has not attain'd the high'st degree,
Which is still diligent lest others see.

Except our loves at this noon stay,
We shall new shadows make the other way.
As the first were made to blind
Others, these which come behind
Will work upon ourselves, and blind our eyes.
If our loves faint, and westwardly decline,
To me thou, falsely, thine,
And I to thee mine actions shall disguise.
The morning shadows wear away,
But these grow longer all the day;
But oh, love's day is short, if love decay.
Love is a growing, or full constant light,
And his first minute, after noon, is night.

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Ratnakar Mandlik 21 July 2019

Love is a growing or full constant light" Beautiful poetic expression as also the poem.

0 0 Reply
Adeeb Alfateh 21 July 2019

But, now the sun is just above our head, We do those shadows tread, And to brave clearness all things are reduc'd. So whilst our infant loves did grow, Disguises did, and shadows, flow From us, and our cares; but now 'tis not so. great write great 10+++++++++++++++++++

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Jane Campion 21 July 2019

I really loved this poem. A light for all poets who bask in the shadows.

1 0 Reply
* Sunprincess * 28 January 2014

......these thoughts on shadows lets us know we are mortal and alive....great write..

5 0 Reply
Jayatissa K. Liyanage 15 October 2010

This is poetry, no doubt. To enjoy a poem, one doesn't have to read through pages. Few words, running in to many pages in meaning. Great stuff. I like it.

7 0 Reply
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John Donne

John Donne

London, England
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