
Water and Wine is a collection of sonnets by Helen Hay Whitney, a poet and author from the late 19th century. The collection is composed of fourteen sonnets, each of which explores a different aspect of life, from love and loss to nature and faith. The sonnets are written in a traditional form, with each poem consisting of fourteen lines and a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. The collection begins with a sonnet about the power of love, and how it can bring joy and sorrow in equal measure. This is followed by a sonnet about the beauty of nature, and how it can bring peace and solace in times of distress. Other sonnets explore themes of faith, mortality, and the power of memory. Throughout the collection, Whitney's lyrical language and vivid imagery bring her themes to life. Water and Wine is a beautiful collection of sonnets that explore the complexities of life and the power of love. It is a timeless work that will remain relevant for generations to come.
By Helen Hay Whitney · First published 1898 · Genre: Poetry, Sonnets, Romanticism · 176 words
I asked for water and they brought me wine; Wine in a jewelled chalice, where the gold Gleamed thro' the purple beads, as if unrolled -- One saw the sun-rays of a life-time shine.
So drinking, I forgot my dream divine Of crystal purity, for in my hold Were wealth and Fame and Passions manifold Which with the draught I fancied might be mine.
"Ah, Youth," I said, "Ah, Faith and Love!" I said; "These are but broken lances in the strife! What shall remain when all these things are sped?" Then crashed the dream. I clutched the hand of Fate Amid the ruins of my shattered life, And found the Gods had cheated, all too late.
Some Verses: Sonnets: WATER AND WINE is listed on Textopian as a poem by Helen Hay Whitney, dated 1898 CE.
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American poetry · ah · asked · beads · br · brought · chalice · crystal · divine · draught · dream · drinking