About the poem

Published as part of his posthumous collection, The Temple (1633), Herbert’s "Easter Wings" is one of the earliest well-known "shape" or "pattern" poems. Using subject matter found in 1 Corinthians, verse 15, Herbert uses the poem to meditate on the the ideas of transgression and ultimate redemption. Though widely disapproved and mocked in the centuries between its publication and the contemporary era, the 20th century Concrete poetry movement placed new emphasis on the relationship between the typography of the poem and its meaning.

The poem consist of two stanzas, traditionally printed vertically to emphasize the shape of the poem and its relationship to content. In this edition, the poems are printed on cuttable broadsheets, as show below. Choose your favorite of the two or both!

About the object

The poem is published in an edition of 25 copies of each stanza. Each box contains:

• 3 balsa wood beams for constructing a frame
• 5 feet of string for the kite frame
• 1 broadsheet printed with instructions and cut lines
• 20 feet of diamond-braided cord for kite control

The included broadsheet includes suggested directions for cutting and assembling your kite.

About the artist

1593 - 1633, metaphysical poet and priest of the Church of England. He took his holy orders late in life, and died roughly 10 years after doing so. During his time as a priest, parishoners recognized him for his deep and dedicated care. The poem presented here, "Easter Wings" appeared after his death as part of a collection titled The Temple in 1633.