Delight In Disorder

Robert Herrick

A sweet disorder in the dress
Kindles in clothes a wantonness :
A lawn about the shoulders thrown
Into a fine distraction :
An erring lace which here and there
Enthrals the crimson stomacher :
A cuff neglectful, and thereby
Ribbons to flow confusedly :
A winning wave (deserving note)
In the tempestuous petticoat :
A careless shoe-string, in whose tie
I see a wild civility :
Do more bewitch me than when art
Is too precise in every part.

Commentary

This has always been one of my favourites. I could talk about its beauty, or that its one of the most sensual poems I know, but I think I really like it because it makes a perfect excuse for slightly untidy people like me!

— Jennie


The Wondering Minstrels, poem #332 · 5 February 2000

Guest poem submitted by Jennie Godden

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