So faith is strong Only when we are strong, shrinks when we shrink. It comes when music stirs us, and the chords, Moving on some grand climax, shakes our souls With influx new that makes new energies. It comes in swellings of the heart and tears That rise at noble and at gentle deeds. It comes in moments of heroic love, Unjealous joy in joy not made for us; In conscious triumph of the good within, Making us worship goodness that rebukes. Even our failures are a prophecy, Even our yearnings and our bitter tears After that fair and true we cannot grasp. Presentiment of better things on earth Sweeps in with every force that stirs our souls To admiration, self-renouncing love. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...EPITAPH ON THE LADY MARY VILLIERS [OR VILLERS] (1) by THOMAS CAREW FAUST: SCENE 1. PROLOGUE IN HEAVEN by JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE A GLEAM OF SUNSHINE by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW THE SWAMP FOX by WILLIAM GILMORE SIMMS DULL DEVOTION by JOSEPH BEAUMONT THEN AND NOW by LOUISA SARAH BEVINGTON |