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The Sonnet

PURE form, that like some chalice of old time
   Contain'st the liquid of the poet's thought
   Within thy curving hollow, gem-enwrought
   With interwoven traceries of rhyme,
While o'er thy brim the bubbling fancies climb,
   What thing am I, that undismayed have sought
   To pour my verse with trembling hand untaught
   Into a shape so small yet so sublime?
Because perfection haunts the hearts of men,
   Because thy sacred chalice gathered up
   The wine of Petrarch, Shakspere, Shelley--then
Receive these tears of failure as they drop
   (Sole vintage of my life), since I am fain
   To pour them in a consecrated cup.

Literature Network » Edith Wharton » The Sonnet