ISAIAH XXXVIII. 15 WHEN on my soul in nakedness His swift, avertless hand did press, Then I stood still, nor cried aloud, Nor murmured low in ashes bowed; And, since my woe is utterless, To supreme quiet I am vowed; Afar from me be moan and tears, -- Whenso my quick, light-sandaled feet Bring me where Joys and Pleasures meet, I mingle with their throng at will; They know me not an alien still, Since neither words nor ways unsweet Of stored bitterness I spill; Youth shuns me not, nor gladness fears, -- For I go softly all my years. Whenso I come where Griefs convene, And in my ear their voice is keen, They know me not, as on I glide, That with Arch Sorrow I abide. They haggard are, and drooped of mien, And round their brows have cypress tied: Such shows I leave to light Grief's peers, -- I shall go softly all my years. Yea, softly! heart of hearts unknown. Silence hath speech that passeth moan, More piercing-keen than breathed cries To such as heed, made sorrow-wise. But save this voice without a tone, That runs before me to the skies, And rings above thy ringing spheres, Lord, I go softly all my years! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...CHANSON INNOCENTE: 2 by EDWARD ESTLIN CUMMINGS THE SMACK IN SCHOOL by WILLIAM PITT PALMER ODES: BOOK 1: ODE 13. ON LYRIC POETRY by MARK AKENSIDE OUR MODEST DOUGHBOYS by CHARLTON ANDREWS THE PHOENIX REBORN FROM ITS ASHES by LOUIS ARAGON |