Each week, I pick a poem I think you should read. This time it comes from William Blake, one of my favorite literary figures whose life was every bit as fascinating as his poetry. He’s probably best known for his piece And did those feet in ancient time; this would be set to music by composer Sir Hubert Parry in 1916 to form that archetypal English hymn Jerusalem.
The Sick Rose
By William Blake
O Rose thou art sick.
The invisible worm,
That flies in the night
In the howling storm:
Has found out thy bed
Of crimson joy:
And his dark secret love
Does thy life destroy.
Source: Poetry Foundation
