Poi Che 'L Cammin M' E Chiuso DI Mercede
The poem describes the speaker's emotional turmoil and sense of desperation, feeling trapped and unable to escape their sorrow. They lament that their path is closed by Mercy, implying a lack of divine intervention or forgiveness. The tone is melancholic and introspective, with the speaker expressing feelings of confinement and despair.
By Francesco Petrarca · First published 1364 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Sonnet · 176 words
First lines
THOUGH FAR FROM LAURA, SOLITARY AND UNHAPPY, ENVY STILL PURSUES HIM.
Since mercy's door is closed, alas! to me, And hopeless paths my poor life separate From her in whom, I know not by what fate, The guerdon lay of all my constancy, My heart that lacks not other food, on sighs I feed: to sorrow born, I live on tears: Nor therefore mourn I: sweeter far appears My present grief than others can surmise.
On thy dear portrait rests alone my view, Which nor Praxiteles nor Xeuxis drew, But a more bold and cunning pencil framed.
What shore can hide me, or what distance shield, If by my cruel exile yet untamed Insatiate Envy finds me here concealed?
What this Textopian page supports
Poi Che 'L Cammin M' E Chiuso DI Mercede is listed on Textopian as a poem by Francesco Petrarca, dated 1364 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Francesco Petrarca
- Date: 1364 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Sonnet, Elegy, Philosophical Poetry
- Length: 176 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Poi Che 'L Cammin M' E Chiuso DI Mercede?
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- Where does Lyric Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- La Sera Desiar Odiar L Aurora by Francesco Petrarca
- Di Di In Di Vo Cangiando Il Viso E L Pelo by Francesco Petrarca
- Sennuccio Mio Benche Doglioso E Solo by Francesco Petrarca
- Gia Desiai Con Si Giusta Querela by Francesco Petrarca
- Ite Caldi Sospiri Al Freddo Core by Francesco Petrarca
- Lasso Ben So Che Dolorose Prede by Francesco Petrarca
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of unrequited love and longing for an idealized figure align with Romantic ideals.
- Sonnet — The structure and style suggest it is a sonnet, a common form in Petrarch's work.
- Elegy — The tone of mourning and sorrow indicates elements of elegiac poetry.
Tags
Italian Literature · Renaissance Poetry · Sonnet Collection · Love Poems · Courtly Love · Petrarchan Sonnets · Medieval Italian · Lyrical Poetry · Romanticism · Classical Influence · Christian Themes · Spiritual Struggle
More by Francesco Petrarca
- Fifteen sonnets of Petrarch (1350)
- Voi, Ch' Ascoltate in Rime Sparse Il Suono (1343)
- Per Far Una Leggiadra Sua Vendetta (1343)
- Era 'L Giorno Ch' Al Sol Si Scoloraro (1343)
- Quel Ch' Infinita Providenza Ed Arte (1343)
- Quand' Io Movo I Sospiri a Chiamar Voi (1344)
- Si Traviato E 'L Folle Mio Desio (1343)
- La Gola E 'L Sonno E L' Oziose Piume (1344)
- All works by Francesco Petrarca