Text: Edgar Allan Poe, “Sonnet — Silence” (Text-01), “Boyd” manuscript, December 25, 1839


∞∞∞∞∞∞∞


Silence — A Sonnet.

There are some qualities — some incorporate things —

That have a double life — life aptly made

The type of that twin entity which springs

From matter and light — evinced in solid and shade.

There is a two-fold Silence — sea and shore —

Body and soul. One dwells in desert places

Newly with grass oergrown. Some solemn graces,

Some human memories (a tearful lore)

Render him terrorless — his name's “No More”.

He is the corporate Silence — dread him not.

No power hath he of evil in himself.

But should some urgent fate (untimely lot!)

Bring thee to meet his shadow — (nameless elf,

Who haunteth the dim regions where hath trod

No foot of man) — commend thyself to God!


∞∞∞∞∞∞∞


Notes:

Poe writes this poem in a letter of December 25, 1839 to Joseph B. Boyd.

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

[S:0 - PSC, 1840] - Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore - Works - Poems - Sonnet — Silence (Text-01)