Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TO THE IDEAL, by NORMAN ROWLAND GALE


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO THE IDEAL, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Tis a long lane that has no turning. True
Last Line: How long the lane that somewhere turns to you!
Subject(s): Love; Pilgrimages & Pilgrims


'TIS a long lane that has no turning. True.
How long the lane that somewhere turns to you!

Between the hedge of hopes, the hedge of fears,
My feet have walked for more than twenty years,

But still the road runs straight, and still I see
Its narrowing line grow small in front of me.

Sometimes I meet a pilgrim coming back
With craven heart along the noble track.

I never ask how far ahead he quailed;
For he and I grew foemen when he failed.

Onward I move, with this to cheer my mind:
No one as yet has passed me from behind.

I must not sit beside a lulling stream
Unless it flows toward my dearest dream.

I must not wince, when going past the farms,
If Colin hold his milkmaid in his arms.

The perfect eyes are those that cannot shine
Their best till fed confusedly by mine.

Suppose I live three heartbeats in their sight
Before they melt to light concealed by light;

Shall those not seem three ages of desire
So paid as Love can never pay with fire?

'Tis a long lane that has no turning. True.
How long the lane that somewhere turns to you!





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