Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, BRAHMA, by RALPH WALDO EMERSON


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

BRAHMA, by             Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: If the red slayer think he slays
Last Line: Find me, and turn thy back on heaven.
Subject(s): Brahma; God; Religion; Theology


IF the red slayer think he slays,
Or if the slain think he is slain,
They know not well the subtle ways
I keep, and pass and turn again.

Far or forgot to me is near;
Shadow and sunlight are the same;
The vanished gods to me appear;
And one to me are shame and fame.

They reckon ill who leave me out;
When me they fIy, I am the wings;
I am the doubter and the doubt,
And I the hymn the Brahmin sings.

The strong gods pine for my abode,
And pine in vain the sacred Seven;
But thou, meek lover of the good!
Find me, and turn thy back on heaven.





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