Edith Wharton

Here you will find the Poem The Sonnet of poet Edith Wharton

The Sonnet

PURE form, that like some chalice of old time 
Contain'st the liquid of the poet's thought 
Within thy curving hollow, gem-enwrought 
With interwoven traceries of rhyme, 
While o'er thy brim the bubbling fancies climb, 
What thing am I, that undismayed have sought 
To pour my verse with trembling hand untaught 
Into a shape so small yet so sublime? 
Because perfection haunts the hearts of men, 
Because thy sacred chalice gathered up 
The wine of Petrarch, Shakspere, Shelley -- then 
Receive these tears of failure as they drop 
(Sole vintage of my life), since I am fain 
To pour them in a consecrated cup.