My own heart let me more have pity on; let
Me live to my sad self hereafter kind,
Charitable; not live this tormented mind
With this tormented mind tormenting yet.

I cast for comfort I can no more get
By groping round my comfortless, than blind
Eyes in their dark can day or thirst can find
Thirst’s all-in-all in all a world of wet.

Soul, self; come, poor Jackself, I do advise
You, jaded, let be; call off thoughts awhile
Elsewhere; leave comfort root-room; let joy size

At God knows when to God knows what; whose smile
‘s not wrung, see you; unforeseen times rather–as skies
Betweenpie mountains–lights a lovely mile.

COMMENTS

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2 responses to “A Sonnet from Gerard Manley Hopkins”

1. Blake says:

   09/05/2012 at 5:41 pm

   I love Hopkins. He cuts me to the bone.

   Reply
2. honeybee says:

   09/06/2012 at 1:47 pm

   One of my favorites. Thanks for this, Ethan — I needed it today.

   Reply