Saturday, June 4, 2011

Classic Poetry - "I look into my glass" by Thomas Hardy


Thomas Hardy (1840-1928)

I LOOK INTO MY GLASS

I look into my glass,
And view my wasting skin,
And say, “Would God it came to pass
My heart had shrunk as thin!”

For then, I, undistrest
By hearts grown cold to me,
Could lonely wait my endless rest
With equanimity.

But Time, to make me grieve,
Part steals, lets part abide;
And shakes this fragile frame at eve
With throbbings of noontide.

Thomas Hardy (2 June 1840 – 11 January 1928), an English novelist and poet, considered himself a poet who wrote novels to make a living. Despite this personal distinction, throughout his lifetime he was best known for his novels, including Tess of the d'Urbervilles and Far from the Madding Crowd, which earned him a reputation as one of the world’s great novelists.

Like most writers, Hardy drew details from his personal experience to bring life to his written work. The Dorchester region of England, where he grew up, provides the setting and backdrop for most of his fictional pieces. He then populated these places with characters struggling against their personal natures or social circumstances.

Hardy's poetry, first published when he was in his fifties, ultimately grew to be as well regarded as his novels and significantly influenced modern English poetry. In the 1950’s and 1960’s, a group of English poets collaborated to create “The Movement” and cited Hardy as a major figure, firmly establishing his poetic reputation.

7 comments:

  1. His words guide one's feelings and bring the message to life. Thanks for sharing; so powerful!
    I now want to read more of his work; Thank you~

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  2. An interesting poem, article. I never realized Thomas Hardy was a poet too. I was into his novels when I was in high school. Thanks for sharing this, Kim.

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  3. ooh what a universal and timeless sentiment. thank you for sharing!

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  4. Strange how I adore the narratives in Hardy's novels, but his poetry seems somehow locked in a regularity that undermines a sense of intimacy!

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  5. Sorry about the confusion Kim! Did you want to keep alternating, or go back to even/odd. I don' know what but alternating, just makes it easier for me to remember which week is mine...:)

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  6. Nevermind I just found your email! odd/even it is...:) this past week threw me off, I'm sorry.

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