Whispers of Serene Poetry: A Glimpse at the Gentle Verse in English Literature

English literature is a vast ocean, with waves of various poetic styles and forms. Among these waves, there are those that stand out for their serenity and tranquility, often referred to as "gentle verse" or "serene poetry." These poems are like a glimpse of a startled pheasant's gentle demeanor - brief yet captivating.

One such example is William Wordsworth's sonnet "Composed Upon Westminster Bridge," where he paints an idyllic picture of London during sunrise:

"The city now doth, like a garment, lie

Upon my fairdest thoughts! My heart,

As if by its own hands took flight,

And left me bare to all the air."

This poem showcases how even in bustling cities, one can find moments of peace and solitude. Another great poet who mastered this style was Emily Dickinson. Her poems were known for their simplicity and depth; she often explored themes related to nature and life.

For instance, her poem "Hope is the Thing with Feathers" encapsulates serenity through vivid imagery:

"Hope is the Thing with Feathers—

That Perches in our Soul—

And sings the Tune without the words—

And never stops—at all—"

In addition to these established poets, modern-day writers also contribute significantly to this genre. One notable contemporary poet is Mary Oliver whose work often touches on themes related to nature and spirituality. In her poem "Wild Geese," she writes:

"You do not have to be good.

You do not have to walk on your knees for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.

You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves.

Tell me about despairing for having lost touch with some infant’s hand;

or despairing over lost wild things everywhere; or weeping early morning over bitter clover."

These lines evoke feelings of hopefulness amidst desolation - another characteristic common among serene poetry.

The world needs more whispers of serene poetry - they remind us that there's beauty even in chaos and help us appreciate simple pleasures around us. So let us cherish these glimpses into peacefulness within English literature as they offer solace from our fast-paced lives while reminding us that true happiness lies within ourselves.