Geoffrey Hill Although Mr. Hill

Geoffrey Hill

Although Mr. Hill received a rather negative review for The Orchards of Syon in a recent issue of Crisis, I have paid attention to what is being posted chez Dylan and I have looked into a couple of poems. First impression is favorable. My conclusion from this--Crisis, usually trustworthy in these matters, may be wrong. Or, they may be right about the particular work and I have improperly generalized their conclusion. Whatever the case may be, the following poem, a spectacularly well-wrought sonnet, is presented for your edification and delight.

Lachrimae Amantis
Geoffrey Hill

What is there in my heart that you should sue
so fiercely for its love? What kind of care
brings you as though a stranger to my door
through the long night and in the icy dew

seeking the heart that will not harbor you,
that keeps itself religiously secure?

At this dark solstice filled with frost and fire
your passion's ancient wounds must bleed anew.

So many nights the angel of my house
has fed such urgent comfort through a dream,
whispered, 'your lord is coming, he is close'

that I have drowsed half-faithful for a time
bathed in pure tones of promise and remorse:
'tomorrow I shall wake to welcome him.'