
NEW YORK AND LONDON - HARPER & BROTHERS PUBLISHERS - MCMV
SONNETS - AND SONGS - BY - HELEN HAY WHITNEY
TO - P. W.
SONNETS
I. Ave atque Vale
II. “Chaque baiser vaut un roman.”
III. As a Pale Child
IV. Flower of the Clove
V. Too Late
VI. The Supreme Sacrifice
This volume gathers a series of short poems that move between the formal sonnet and lighter lyrical songs. Written in the early 1900s, the verses weave together images of seasons, gardens, and fleeting moments, while exploring love’s joy and its inevitable ache. The poet’s voice shifts from confident celebration to quiet contemplation, often drawing on classical references and occasional foreign phrases to deepen the mood.
The collection invites listeners to linger on the musical cadence of each line, as the rhythm carries both melancholy and hope. From the gentle wonder of a child watching rain to the stark resignation of a farewell, the poems balance vivid description with introspective feeling. Whether heard as a brief meditation or a series of intimate reflections, the work offers a timeless glimpse into the heart’s still‑small voice.
Language
en
Duration
~41 minutes (39K characters)
Release date
2011-01-28
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1875–1944
Born into a prominent American family, this poet wrote graceful, often musical verse while also leading a remarkably public life in philanthropy and horse racing. Her books capture the polished, lyrical style of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
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