~When I have fears that I may cease to be~
By John Keats
When I have fears that I may cease to be
Before my pen has glean'd my teeming brain
Before high-piled books, in charactery.
Hold like rich garners the full ripen'd grain;
When I behold, upon the night's starr'd face,
Huge cloudy symbols of a high romance,
And I think that I may never live to trace
Their shadows,with the magic hand of chance;
And when I feel, fair creature of an hour,
That I shall never look upon thee more,
Never have relish in the faery power
Of unreflecting love;--then on the shore
Of the wide world I stand alone,and think
Till love and fame to nothingness do sink.
I cried when I read this poem.I cried even more when I read that he died at the age of 26. He originally started out as a doctor,but when he finally got his licence,he found that he loved poetry so much more than doctoring,that all he did was write poetry.he fell in love with a beautiful girl,and they were engaged,but just then John Keats found that he had a disease and that he would not last another year. He broke his engagement,and went to Italy where he died.All his grave-stone says is: 'Here lies a man whose name was rit in water'.
I find his poetry more uplifting that he had so many wonderful,lovely thoughts that he was able to write down for us even at that young age.
I did not remember his life story, but I remember that poem (which makes more sense when you know about his life). Thanks for the reminder; something like this tends to make me reflective.
ReplyDeleteHow nice to see you have such an appreciation for poetry!
I am very glad to see the poetry you enjoy as well! I just figured out that there is a movie about him the other day and have been wanting to watch it. I will have to let you know if it is good or not! :)
ReplyDeleteThat is so cool!What is the moovie called? I would love to see it!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks Hannah!:)