John Barlas

“Four other Barlas Sonnets at Sonnet Central”

“Barlas' 1889 book Love Sonnets, complete, at Sonnet Central”

“I saw thee in a vision of the nightTransfigured; for it seemed that on thy browsThe heavens did rest with all their stars, like boughsLaden with blossoms; round thy feet the brightGreen waves, like grass, ran rippling, strewn with whiteStar-fragments of rent petals: wasted vows,And ruined prayers I thought them, such as houseIn hearts that love and are not loved aright.”

“As I go musing through this mournful landSoothed by the pine-tree's solemn harmony,Thy well-loved image comes and walks by me.I seem to hold thee by the gentle handAnd talk of things I dimly understand,That thy dear spirit set to mine may beAs to an intricate lock the simple key.”

“Loved once for ever loved: how surely soundsThis gospel to me since I learned to listTruth from thy lips, mine own evangelist.What thought presumes to set now any boundsTo Love whose being informs us and surrounds?”