Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, LIGHTNING OF THE ABYSS, by JULES LAFORGUE


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

LIGHTNING OF THE ABYSS, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I was on a tower in the midst of the stars
Last Line: Ah, to become nothing again, irrevocably spent!
Subject(s): Dreams; Nightmares


I was on a tower in the midst of the stars.

Suddenly, stroke of vertigo, a lightning-flash where, cast
Of all its veils, I sounded, thrilling with awe, with fear,
The riddle of the cosmos, in all its depth made clear.
All, all is one? Where am I? Where goes this mass that rolls
Bearing me on? -And I can die, die, take my leave,
Knowing nothing. Speak! O rage! And time flows on and tolls
Without return. Stop, stop! And to true joys how cleave?
For I know nothing, I. My hour is there, at least?
I do not know. I was in the night, then I am born.
Why? Whence the universe? Where goes it? For the priest
Is mere man. One knows nothing. Appear to me, take form,
God, witness eternal! Speak: why is there life?
All is silent. Oh, space is without a heart. One moment,
Stars! I do not want to die! I have genius!
Ah, to become nothing again, irrevocably spent!





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net