O for ten years, that I may overwhelm / Myself in poesy; so I may do the deed / That my own soul has to itself decreed.
Meaning
From Sleep and Poetry, written when Keats was about twenty-one, this is a prayer for time to devote himself fully to his art. He frames the work as something his own soul decided, not others. Name the thing you would give ten focused years to, and protect an hour for it daily.
Source: Sleep and Poetry (1817)
About the author
(1795–1821) was an English Romantic poet known for his vivid imagery and exploration of beauty, nature, and mortality. His works, including "Ode to a Nightingale" and "Ode on a Grecian Urn," are celebrated for their lyrical quality and emotional depth. Despite his short life, Keats made a lasting impact on poetry. His writing reflects a deep appreciation for art and human experience. John Keats’s legacy continues to influence literature and inspire readers worldwide.
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