The Dying Words of Goethe "Light! more light! the shadows deepen, And my life is ebbing low, Throw the windows widely open; Light! more light! before I go. "Softly let the balmy sunshine Play around my dying bed, O'er the dimly lighted valley I with lonely feet must tread. "Light! more light! for Death is weaving Shadows 'round my waning sight, And I fain would gaze upon him Through a stream of earthly light." Not for greater gifts of genius; Not for thoughts more grandly bright. All the dying poet whispers Is a prayer for light, more light. Heeds he not the gathered laurels, Fading slowly from his sight; All the poet's aspirations Centre in that prayer for light. Gracious Saviour, when life's day-dreams Melt and vanish from the sight, May our dim and longing vision Then be blessed with light, more light. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A SHROPSHIRE LAD: 31 by ALFRED EDWARD HOUSMAN ON A MAGAZINE SONNET by RUSSELL HILLARD LOINES THE GROVES OF BLARNEY by RICHARD ALFRED MILLIKIN ARCADIA: SESTINA by PHILIP SIDNEY FAREWELL by GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE TWO SONNETS: 2 by DAVID P. BERENBERG A COUNTRY GOD by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN |