Monday 2 May 2011

Imprison me for freedom

Batter my heart, three-person'd God; for, you
As yet but knock, breathe, shine, and seek to mend;
That I may rise, and stand, o'erthrow me, and bend
Your force, to break, blow, burn, and make me new.
I, like an usurp'd town, to'another due,
Labour to'admit you, but Oh, to no end.
Reason, your viceroy in me, me should defend,
But is captiv'd, and proves weak or untrue,
Yet dearly I love you, and would be loved fain,
But am betroth'd unto your enemy:
Divorce me, untie, or break that knot again,
Take me to you, imprison me, for I
Except you'enthrall me, never shall be free,
Nor ever chaste, except you ravish me.


John Donne (1572-1631)

[Re-post] 

2 comments:

mama said...

I love that you appreciate Donne!

BTW, I also love your new banner :)

étrangère said...

How could I not, as your daughter? :) Picked up a Penguin Classic collection - 'The Metaphysical Poets' second hand on Saturday.