Metaphysical Poetry

Metaphysical poetry is highly intellectualized poetry written chiefly in 17th century England. The chief characteristics of metaphysical poetry are:

• far fetched or unusual metaphors or similies
• going beyond what is palpable or even tangible
• defining the speaker's relationship with God
• intellectual, appeal to the mind rather than the emotions
• exaggerated imagery

Some authors of metaphysical poetry are: John Donne, George Herbert, Henry Vaughan, Andrew Marvell, and Abraham Cowley.

The Relapse

My God, how gracious art thou! I had slipt

Almost to hell,

And on the verge of that dark, dreadful pit

Did hear them yell,

But O thy love! thy rich, almighty love

That sav'd my soul,

And checkt their fury, when I saw them move,

And heard them howl;

O my sole comfort, take no more these ways,

This hideous path,

And I will mend my own without delays,

Cease thou thy wrath!

I have deserv'd a thick, Egyptian damp,

Dark as my deeds,

Should mist within me, and put out that lamp

Thy spirit feeds;

A darting conscience full of stabs and fears;

No shade but Yew,

Sullen, and sad eclipses, cloudy spheres,

These are my due.

But he that with his blood, (a price too dear,)

My scores did pay,

Bid me, by virtue from him, challenge here

The brightest day;

Sweet, downy thoughts; soft lily-shades; calm streams;

Joys full and true;

Fresh, spicy mornings; and eternal beams

These are his due.

-Henry Vaughan