THE quintessential Easter Monday poem from the high days of faith.

The religious reflections of George Herbert (1593-1633) have a humanity and warmth unrivalled among his fellow Metaphysicals. When the verses are viewed sideways, the Easter Wings of the title assume a visible shape.

EASTER WINGS

Lord, who createdst man in wealth and store,

Though foolishly he lost the same,

Decaying more and more

Till he became

Most poor:

With thee

O let me rise

As larks, harmoniously

And sing this day thy victories:

Then shall the fall further the flight of me.

My tender age in sorrow did begin;

And still with sicknesses and shame

Thou didst so punish sin,

That I became

Most thin.

With thee

Let me combine,

And feel this day thy victory;

For, if I imp my wing on thine,

Affliction shall advance the flight in me.

imp=graft