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DEATH, be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so:
For those whom thou think'st thou dost overthrow
Die not, poor Death; nor yet canst thou kill me.
From Rest and Sleep, which but thy picture be,
Much pleasure, then from thee much more must flow;
And soonest our best men with thee do go--
Rest of their bones and souls' delivery!
Thou'rt slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men,
And dost with poison, war, and sickness dwell;
And poppy or charms can make us sleep as well
And better than thy stroke. Why swell'st thou then?
One short sleep past, we wake eternally,
And Death shall be no more: Death, thou shalt die!
John Donne
Read poems about / on: sleep, death, fate, war
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Click here to write your comments about this poem (Death by John Donne)
Emily Halbohm (1/8/2006 4:29:00 PM)
This is a great poem! |
Bridget Ntuli (10/29/2004 9:26:00 AM)
This poem reminds me as a reader that death is just for a little while. He gives the impression that he believes in the second coming of Chirst where everyone dead sould will wake up eternally and there shall be no death. He says to death, it should not be proud because in the end it will be defeated and life or rather living will prevail...that it is only for a little while.
Somehow it is motivating to people who are scared of death like me, though you do have to ask yourself a question whether you will live eternally or burn in hell (of course it depends on religous beliefs) , I am praying for the former.
This is great poem, you can actually feel the anger in Donne's voice...Death, thou shalt die! and he is very sarcastic too...From Rest and Sleep, which but thy picture be,
Much pleasure, then from thee much more must flow;
Could it be that he is saying one should not be scared of death, as it is the almost the same as resting and sleeping so death should be more enjoyable? ?
It is lovely poem and would recommend anyone to read it....! ! ! |
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