Read the poem: “Paolo To Francesca”

by James Russell Lowell

Download PDF

American Literature – American Poetry – James Russell Lowell
< < < Palinode – DECEMBER
Pessimoptimism > > >

Paolo To Francesca

I was with thee in Heaven: I cannot tell
If years or moments, so the sudden bliss,
When first we found, then lost, us in a kiss.
Abolished Time, abolished Earth and Hell,
Left only Heaven. Then from our blue there fell
The dagger’s flash, and did not fall amiss,
For nothing now can rob my life of this,—
That once with thee in Heaven, all else is well.
Us, undivided when man’s vengeance came,
God’s half-forgives that doth not here divide;
And, were this bitter whirl-blast fanged with flame,
To me ’twere summer, we being side by side:
This granted, I God’s mercy will not blame,
For, given thy nearness, nothing is denied.

< < < Palinode – DECEMBER
Pessimoptimism > > >

American Literature – American Poetry – James Russell Lowell

If you liked this article, subscribe , put likes, write comments!

Share on social networks

Visit us on Facebook or Twitter

Check out Our Latest Posts

by James Russell Lowell

Paolo To Francesca

Leave a comment Cancel reply