I knew much peace before I asked for life: Deeply I slept in Pre-time's darkened womb But yearned in dream for some high glorious strife -- Till Pre-time guessed and offered life and doom, Took for them time of sleep. But mortal weight Of life proves more than I can bear: the earth Whirrs all confused, with howling men who prate Only of passing things that trail no worth. Ah, that some strength could hurl me clear of this Into that understanding scheme of things Where I might rest once more, by breath forgot, Know once again oblivion's sealing kiss, Its questless peace, a calm on the soul's wings -- Safe in the sleep from which I long-since fought. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE NIGHTINGALE by PAUL VERLAINE ODE TO THE MAGUIRE by EOCHADH O'HUSSEY HE GIVES HIS BELOVED CERTAIN RHYMES by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS LILIES: 2. MY SWORD by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913) HAWTHORN by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN A NEW PILGRIMAGE: 3 by WILFRID SCAWEN BLUNT |