Then, pale as privet, took she heart to drink,
And therewithal most strange new thoughts did think,
And unknown feelings seized her, and there came
Sudden remembrance, vivid as a flame,
Of everything that she had done on earth,
Although it all seemed changed in weight and worth,
Small things becoming great, and great things small;
And godlike pity touched her therewithal
For her old self, for sons of men that die;
And that sweet new-born immortality
Now with full love her rested spirit fed.
Then in that concourse did she lift her head,
And stood at last a very goddess there,
And all cried out at seeing her grown so fair.
William Morris, a luminary of the Victorian era, was not only an influential poet but also a pivotal figure in the Arts and Crafts Movement. Born in 1834, his multifaceted career spanned poetry, textile design, and social activism. Among his numerous literary contributions, "The Earthly Paradise" is particularly notable for its rich tapestry of myth and folklore, interwoven with themes of existential reflection and human desire.
"The Earthly Paradise" comprises a series of narrative poems, each retelling a blend of classical and medieval tales. Published in parts from 1868 to 1870, the collection mirrors Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" in its structure, with a prologue setting the stage for a group of medieval wanderers who, in search of an earthly paradise, chance upon a community where the residents share stories from their diverse cultural heritages. This frame narrative is a clever device that allows Morris to explore a wide range of myths and legends, underscoring his deep engagement with past literary forms and his reverence for tradition.
Morris's poetry in "The Earthly Paradise" is characterized by its lyrical beauty and the melancholic yearning for an unattainable ideal. Each tale serves as a meditation on human suffering, love, loss, and the relentless passage of time. Morris weaves these themes together with a deftness that betrays his profound sensitivity to human frailty and his disillusionment with the industrial progress of his time. This juxtaposition of beauty and despair is a hallmark of Morris's work and a reflection of his personal conflicts.
Moreover, Morris’s involvement in the Arts and Crafts Movement is echoed in his literary efforts to integrate art into everyday life. Through "The Earthly Paradise," he sought not just to entertain but also to educate and enrich the aesthetic experience of his readers, advocating for a return to craftsmanship and beauty amidst the burgeoning industrial landscape of 19th-century England.
In conclusion, "The Earthly Paradise" is more than just a poetic collection; it is an embodiment of William Morris’s philosophy of life and art. It showcases his mastery in reviving and reinterpreting ancient stories to address contemporary issues and resonate with the Victorian society's anxieties and aspirations. Through this work, Morris not only cemented his legacy as a poet but also as a thinker profoundly ahead of his time, whose ideals continue to influence the discourse around art, work, and society today.
Poem:
In gardens of mist,
Old stone paths remember feet
That once danced at dusk.
Lingering whispers weave
Through the ivy's embrace,
Where secrets blossom
Under the old oak's watchful gaze,
Silent and profound.
Haiku 1
Autumn leaves whisper,
Golden tales beneath soft skies,
Chill breeze tells of change.
Haiku 2
Morning dew clings tight,
Sunrise flares on silent hills,
Day's first breath taken.