The Poetry of John DonneA central figure of the 17th century metaphysical movement, John Donne is considered one of the greatest poets in the English language. Written nearly 400 years ago, his verse speaks to us as directly and passionately as if the poet were whispering in our ear. His poems are animated by an intoxicating use of metaphor and imagery see, for example, The Flea or A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning. Reflecting his life story, his work traces a course from