Observations/Reflections: On the Works of John Donne
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 08/06/09 Written: 12/15/08
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin

I am moved by the works of John Donne. There is a profound depth in his works, and he ministers to my soul.

"Batter my heart, three person'd God; for, you"

BATTER my heart, three person'd God; for, you
As yet but knocke, breathe, shine, and seeke to mend;
That I may rise, and stand, o'erthrow mee,'and bend
Your force, to breake, blowe, burn and make me new.
I, like an usurpt towne, to'another due,
Labour to'admit you, but Oh, to no end,
Reason your viceroy in mee, mee should defend,
But is captiv'd, and proves weake or untrue.
Yet dearely'I love you,'and would be loved faine,
But am betroth'd unto your enemie:
Divorce mee,'untie, or breake that knot againe;
Except you'enthrall mee, never shall be free,
Nor ever chast, except you ravish mee.

"Each man's death diminishes me, for I am involved in mankind. Therefore, send not to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee." – John Donne

Several metaphysical poets, especially John Donne, were influenced by NeoPlatonism. One of the primary Platonic concepts found in metaphysical poetry is the idea that the perfection of beauty in the beloved acted as a remembrance of perfect beauty in the eternal realm. – Wiki

http://www.luminarium.org/sevenlit/donne/donnebib.htm (Online Works)