Poems of West & East
1845
Published in 1945, 'Poems of West & East' by V. Sackville-West is a collection of poetry that reflects on nature, love, and the contrasts between Eastern and Western cultures. The poems feature lyrical imagery and explore themes of nostalgia and beauty, drawing from the author's personal experiences and observations. Notable pieces include 'Convalescence' and 'To Knole,' which highlight her emotional landscape and appreciation for both the English countryside and Eastern locales, particularly Constantinople. This work invites contemplation of life's richness through its evocative language and cultural reflections.
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“We owned a garden on a hill,We planted rose and daffodil,Flowers that English poets sing,And hoped for glory in the Spring.We planted yellow hollyhocks,And humble sweetly-smelling stocks,And columbine for carnival,And dreamt of Summer's festival.And Autumn not to be outdoneAs heiress of the summer sun,Should doubly wreathe her tawny headWith poppies and with creepers red.We waited then for all to grow,We planted wallflowers in a row.And lavender and borage blue, -Alas! we waited, I and you,But love was all that ever grew.””
— V. Sackville-West
“The fount of joy was bubbling in thine eyes,Dancing was in thy feet,And on thy lips a laugh that never dies,Unutterably sweet. Dance on! for ever young, for ever fair,Lightfooted as a frightened bounding deer,Thy wreath of vine-leaves twisted in thy hair,Through all the changing seasons of the year...””
— V. Sackville-West
“I cannot love your weeping poets...””
— V. Sackville-West
“Quiet, towards their town of kind captivities,Having slain rebellion, ever turned his headOver his shoulder, seeking still with his poor eyesHer motionless figure on the road.””
— V. Sackville-West
