{for Antler’s Throwback! Series, seasoned poets will discuss their favorite poems and poets and how those poems have come to shape their poetry, their faith, and their ideas about living and writing. this week, poet Paul Willis–you can read his bio and brilliant poems here–discusses an old mainstay of English and devotional poetry: George Herbert. please take note that–because of an html issue–the poem’s spacing is off; each alternating line should be indented, like this}

The Dawning

Awake sad heart, whom sorrow ever drowns;

Take up thine eyes, which feed on earth;

Unfold thy forehead gathered into frowns:

Thy Saviour comes, and with him mirth:

Awake, awake;

And with a thankful heart his comforts take.

But thou dost still lament, and pine, and cry;

And feel his death, but not his victory.

Arise sad heart; if thou do not withstand,

Christ’s resurrection thine may be:

Do not by hanging down break from the hand,

Which … Read More »