Donne is one of the two most significant poets, along with George Herbert, known as the Metaphysicals. For me these poets are of personal significance, as they have influenced me in my poetry for a long time. Most recently, my book The Role of the Moon features poems in conversation with these poets — including 19 poems inspired by each of John Donne’s 19 Holy Sonnets.
I say in the introduction to this new poetry book, “It is hardly a clear category, but Metaphysical Poets to me simply mean those who use metaphors ― sometimes elaborate, extensive metaphors known as conceits ― to talk about ideas outside of human sense perception. Because these poets were deeply dedicated to their Christian faith ― Herbert, Donne, and Traherne being Anglican priests ― much of their poetry expresses their wrestlings with God, and with their own weaknesses.”
Holy Sonnet VII
At the round earth's imagin'd corners, blow
Your trumpets, angels, and arise, arise
From death, you numberless infinities
Of souls, and to your scatter'd bodies go;
All whom the flood did, and fire shall o'erthrow,
All whom war, dearth, age, agues, tyrannies,
Despair, law, chance hath slain, and you whose eyes
Shall behold God and never taste death's woe.
But let them sleep, Lord, and me mourn a space,
For if above all these my sins abound,
'Tis late to ask abundance of thy grace
When we are there; here on this lowly ground
Teach me how to repent; for that's as good
As if thou'hadst seal'd my pardon with thy blood.
*This is the fourth Kingdom Poets post about John Donne: first post, second post, third post.
Entry written by D.S. Martin. He is the author of six poetry collections including Angelicus (2021, Poiema/Cascade), plus three anthologies — available through Wipf & Stock. His new book The Role of the Moon, inspired by the Metaphysical Poets, is now available from Paraclete Press.
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