England Incarnate—The Bass in the Choir of St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle
More beautiful than Rupert Brooke (the same
God gossamer presumption in his style)
He carries off the colors, tints of tame
Pastels that suit a blond and makes us smile—
For Christ is in his Heaven just so long
As loveliness like this attends our days.
His face is painted pale, like Evensong,
On precious parchment page, as through a haze.
There’s little strong to make this strength, except
As curves are perfect in their powered force.
The swerves of varied blond hues which are swept
Above his brow can cause a sweet remorse
In those of us who see each angel tress.
We’ll never have him. That is our distress.
~ Phillip Whidden