Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Poems on the Underground

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:
Its loviliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth,
Spite of despondance, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o`er-darkened ways
Made for our searching: yes, inspite of all,
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits.

John Keats (1795 - 1821)

I stumbled upon a little treasure today. The Underground website that we frequently use to check the status of tube lines keeps a space on their site called "Poems on the Underground." This was the poem of the day. Fitting considering I was reading Keats earlier today for class. I love this part of Endymion. The beauty that Keats speaks of is all around me in London. Yesterday I spent the afternoon at the Beatrix Potter exhibit in the V&A museum and then walked home through Hyde Park. The silver skies that usually promise rain seem to enhance the green scenery. When you've been able to take in beauty like this, you appreciate men like Keats for being able to express it better than you ever could. However, I have been writing some poetry of my own. Maybe someday I'll share. Until then, take some time on the Transport for London website to check out the pro's. Don't think too hard. Just enjoy.

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/projectsandschemes/2437.aspx

Cheers!

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