Selected Poems of Francis Thompson
'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.
Book Details
Author
Francis Thompson
England
Francis Thompson (1859-1907) was an English poet and Catholic mystic. He is best known for his poem The Hound of Heaven, a powerful allegory of God's pursuit of the human soul. Thompson's poetry is ch...
More on Francis ThompsonDownload eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books
The Peter Patter Book of Nursery Rhymes by Leroy F. Jackson
This is a Nursery Rhyme Book with lots of delightful short, rhyming stories that are meant to be read aloud to small children. They are vintage rhymes...
Sour Grapes by William Carlos Williams
"Sour Grapes" is a poetic collection that serves as a tantalizing exploration of the human condition, penned by the renowned poet William Carlos Willi...
Don Juan: Canto I by George Gordon, Lord Byron
In English literature, Don Juan (1819–1824), by Lord Byron, is a satirical, epic poem that portrays Don Juan not as a womaniser, but as a man easily s...
The Solitary by Sara Teasdale
It explores the themes of love, solitude, and the search for meaning in life. This book was first published in 1918, at a time when Teasdale was exper...
White Witchcraft by Robert Browning
This is a captivating exploration of the mystical realm, where words weave spells and magic dances through verses. Crafted by the renowned poet Robert...
The World’s Story Volume III: Egypt, Africa and Arabia by Eva March Tappan
A journey through the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Africa, and Arabia awaits you in this captivating book. The World's Story Volume III: Egypt, A...
Over The Brazier by Robert Graves
It features a series of poems that offer a deeply personal and poignant reflection on the experience of war. The title of the collection is drawn fro...
Trivia, or The Art of Walking the Streets of London by John Gay
What was it like to walk the streets of London in the early 18th century? Trivia, or The Art of Walking the Streets of London is a humorous and infor...
On the Late Massacre in the Piedmont by John Milton
In the heart of 17th-century Europe, a massacre of innocent Waldensians ignites a fire of fury and poetic protest in the soul of John Milton. John M...
The Island Hunting-Song by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.
Imagine a summer day filled with golden wine, a glowing flame, and a lonely isle. Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.'s poem The Island Hunting-Song is a beau...
Reviews for Selected Poems of Francis Thompson
No reviews posted or approved, yet...