Esther M. Zimmer Lederberg
Petrarch Sonnet XI

The holy angels and the spirits blest,
     Celestial bands, upon that day serene
     When first my love went by in heavenly sheen,
Came thronging, wondering at the gracious guest.

“What light is here, in what new beauty drest?”
     They said among themselves; “for none has seen
     Within this age arrive so fair a mien
From changing earth unto immortal rest.”

And she, contented with her new-found bliss,
Ranks with the perfect in that upper sphere,
Yet ever and anon looks back on this,

To watch for me, as if for me she stayed.
So strive my thoughts, lest that high heaven I miss.
I hear her call, and must not be delayed.

Back

© Copyright 2006 - 2018    The Esther M. Zimmer Lederberg Trust     Website Terms of Use