'Selected Poems of Francis Thompson' Summary

Selected Poems of Francis Thompson is a collection of the poet's most celebrated works, including his masterpiece, The Hound of Heaven. The book is divided into three sections: Poems, Sister Songs, and New Poems.

Poems contains Thompson's early poems, which were published in his first book, Poems (1893). These poems are characterized by their youthful exuberance and their exploration of religious and philosophical themes. Some of the most notable poems in this section include:

• The Hound of Heaven: This poem is an allegory of God's pursuit of the human soul. It is one of the most moving and passionate religious poems ever written.
• Dream Tryst: This poem is a beautiful and haunting meditation on love and loss.
• To the Dead Cardinal of Westminster: This poem is a tribute to Cardinal Manning, a leading figure in the Catholic Church in England.

Sister Songs contains poems inspired by Thompson's deep love for his sister, Meynell. These poems are full of tenderness and compassion. Some of the most notable poems in this section include:

• A Corymbus for Autumn: This poem is a celebration of the beauty of autumn and the power of love.
• Love in Dian's Lap: This poem is a passionate love poem that explores the themes of love, beauty, and desire.
• Daisy: This poem is a simple and beautiful tribute to Thompson's sister.

New Poems contains poems that Thompson wrote in the later years of his life. These poems are more somber and reflective than his earlier work. They explore themes of mortality, loss, and redemption. Some of the most notable poems in this section include:

• The Kingdom of God: This poem is a meditation on the nature of the kingdom of God.
• Ode to the Setting Sun: This poem is a beautiful and moving reflection on the end of life.
• Assumpta Maria: This poem is a celebration of the Assumption of Mary into heaven.

Selected Poems of Francis Thompson is a collection of poems that is both beautiful and thought-provoking. Thompson's poetry explores a wide range of themes, including religion, philosophy, and personal experience. His poetry is still relevant and meaningful today.

The essence and spirit of the book can be captured in the following passage from The Hound of Heaven:

I fled Him, down the nights and down the days;

I fled Him, down the arches of the years;

I fled Him, down the labyrinthine ways

Of my own mind; and in the mist of tears

I hid from Him, and under running laughter.

This passage captures the sense of flight and pursuit that is central to Thompson's poetry. The speaker of the poem is trying to escape from God, but God is always pursuing him. This pursuit is ultimately triumphant, as the speaker eventually realizes that he cannot escape from God's love.

Thompson's poetry is a powerful reminder that God is always pursuing us, even when we are trying to run away from him. His poetry is also a celebration of the beauty and mystery of creation.