Most popular?

But the thing that surprised me most was that the most popular poem I've published - so far - is this one.

Explanations on a postcard.

Last Poem: Why Ernest Dowson?

The last Poem of the Week was chosen not only because it was an attempt to echo Verlaine in English - a pastiche, if you like, of the previous POTW.

Ernest Dowson was born locally (Lee) and is best remembered for phrases like "Days of Wine and Roses" and "Gone with the Wind."   He's buried in Brockley and Ladywell Cemetery, and a few weeks back there was a small ceremony by his restored grave (see Brockley Central).

Poem of the Week

After Paul Verlaine-I
Ernest Dowson

Tears fall within mine heart,
As rain upon the town:
Whence does this languor start,
Possessing all mine heart?

O sweet fall of the rain
Upon the earth and roofs!
Unto an heart in pain,
O music of the rain!

Tears that have no reason
Fall in my sorry heart:
What! there was no treason?
This grief hath no reason.

Nay! the more desolate,
Because, I know not why,
(Neither for love nor hate)
Mine heart is desolate.