Monday 11th September 2017

MONO MONDAY: FAVOURITE POETRY

One of my favourite poets is John Keats, because of his beautifully descriptive style. And a favourite description in Keats' poetry which stands out in my memory is from the 42 stanza romantic narrative 'The Eve of St Agnes', published in 1820.

Madeline, the heroine, is getting ready for bed after saying her vespers on St Agnes Eve, traditionally the night in January when girls and unmarried women wishing to dream of their future husbands would perform certain rituals before going to sleep.

"Of all its wreathed pearls her hair she frees;
Unclasps her warmed jewels one by one;
Loosens her fragrant boddice; by degrees
Her rich attire creeps rustling to her knees:
Half-hidden, like a mermaid in sea-weed,
Pensive awhile she dreams awake, and sees,
In fancy, fair St. Agnes in her bed,
But dares not look behind, or all the charm is fled".