Michael Shepherd Poems

Why is this sonnet form so dear to me?
this silent cloister of the singing heart
where I may be myself in sanctity
yet meet beloved strangers there in art;
...

it was the sound of
the daffodils
growing
that woke
...

God
doesn't get much sympathy
from believers
or unbelievers
...

There's art history, and there's the history of art.
Art history, you can learn anywhere these days;
the history of art's some other, thrilling thing, a life-blood
pumping its heart intensely as if it were a matter
...

The chance remains of another time
and a life that is not ours...
no, there is not 'more' beauty here than elsewhere -
but there is much beauty here,
...

Round 1580 - so some scholars write -
the finest poets of England sought accord
on what fine form of verse might most delight,
and render fullest homage to our Lord.
...

It’s rather a delicate personal matter…
I could of course say I’m just asking for a friend…
...

Why should mankind not face
the thought of afterlife?

For half the world or so,
...

No sorrow
Tomorrow

Keep grief
...

Old poets, torturing their thoughts to rhyme,
their lovely English verse to end-words tied,
oft found just cause to moan of 'envious Time',
and seek immortal fame in 'Time defied';
...