Heading up to poetry day

July 30 is National Poetry Day, so to celebrate, I thought I'd post some examples of English poetry over the ages... the plan is one a day until the day...

First up - a 7th century hymn by Cædmon.

Nu sculon herigean heofonrices Weard Meotodes meahte and his modgeþanc weorce Wuldor-Fæder swa he wundra gehwæs ece Drihten or onstealde He ærest sceop ielda bermum heofon to hrofe halig Scyppend ða middangeard moncynnes Weard ece Drihten æfter teode firum foldan Frea ælmihtig

Now we must praise heaven-kingdomn's Guardian, The Measurer's might and his mind-plans, The work of the Glory-Father, when he of wonders of every one, Eternal Lord, the beginning established. He first created for men's sons Heaven as a roof, holy Creator, Then middle-earth mankind's Guardian, Eternal Lord, afterwards made - For men earth, Master almighty.

From page one of The Norton anthology of poetry.