Happy May!
I figured I’d have no problem finding a lovely May poem, and I was right. There are plenty to choose from, so I picked one that was short (I like short poems.)
John Milton is known for writing Paradise Lost. I started this book (technically a poem) and loved what I read, but I felt I was losing the meaning as I got further into the poem. I’d love to read an annotated version someday to understand the language and the imagery better.
Today we get to enjoy a short poem by John Milton. It’s still written in the English of a different time, but it captures the feel of May.
Song On May Morning
by John Milton
Now the bright morning-star, Day’s harbinger,
Comes dancing from the East, and leads with her
The flowery May, who from her green lap throws
The yellow cowslip and the pale primrose.
Hail, bounteous May, that dost inspire
Mirth, and youth, and warm desire!
Woods and groves are of thy dressing;
Hill and dale doth boast thy blessing.
Thus we salute thee with our early song,
And welcome thee, and wish thee long.
Comes dancing from the East, and leads with her
The flowery May, who from her green lap throws
The yellow cowslip and the pale primrose.
Hail, bounteous May, that dost inspire
Mirth, and youth, and warm desire!
Woods and groves are of thy dressing;
Hill and dale doth boast thy blessing.
Thus we salute thee with our early song,
And welcome thee, and wish thee long.