On First Reading Milton
by David S. Annderson
Deep
Deep, O world, hath never felt like this
Have tasted heavenly depths sublime
As Milton did one day by dream
He saw his sainted wife again
Whom he lost and now, in Heaven, regained
Keats wrote 'On first looking into Chapman's Homer'
When I first- as the new year (2015) had barely dawned-read Milton,
his sonnet 'On his deceased wife', I knew I had to follow Keats' example.
If 'Paradise Lost' is too intimidating, try these wonderful short poems, such as
his sonnets- you won't regret it!
I do reccomend Paradise Lost, though, especially if you like classic epics- get it out of the library and give it a try! It is NOT gloomy!
Start by reading a little aloud- it's REALLY meant to be read aloud- and reading the summaries-
called the 'argument'- at the beginning of each chapter. I bet you will enjoy it!