In the last year or so, I have posted a number of poems by great poets without comment. I have done so intentionally, and I thought I should offer a short explanation for these posts.
The most important reason is, simply, that the poems speak for themselves. Most are among those considered great, or classic, and were written more than 100 years ago. Great art, in any form, speaks to what is deepest and best within us; it conveys many layers of meaning. It is both subtle and beautiful. Most of what passes for modern poetry is meaningless tripe, without meaning or beauty. It will be forgotten in less than 50 years. The works of Longfellow, or Robert Southwell, or Auden will be read and enjoyed and pondered for generations to come. The poems I have posted have spoken to me, and I hope they speak to you, too.
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