Trumbull Stickney Poem by Jared Carter

That we were taken early, yes,
that was a shame.
Shelley and Schubert; you may guess
the other names.

But what is early, how define
those moments dear
Against her breast? Did that sublime
incursion clear

Away all thoughts of transience?
Ask Keats. Aye, go
Ask Chatterton. Who had more sense
than we can know.


From Adams Memorial. First published in Atavic Poetry.