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Poems Real and Ideal

By George Barlow

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SONNET XXIX. RELIGION AND ART.
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73

SONNET XXIX. RELIGION AND ART.

“Religion and Art are best kept apart, I think.”—

Ah!—Just so. Keep your God, and give me mine.
Keep you your Sunday God, black-coated, grim,—
Sever all Art and sweet delight from him,—
Sip in his name your sacramental wine.
My God is in these carven limbs that shine
Upon the smooth blue sea's soft buoyant rim;
My God is in these full rich lips that brim
With kisses sweeter than rain-washed woodbine.
Beauty is my God:—I am well content.
All wonder of form ye see not; ye are blind.
Pursue your road in peace,—ye were not meant
The tabernacle of my God to find.
My God is hidden from all your evil eyes
In dark-blue folds of thunder-guarded skies.