What is the mission of poesy? Is it to grasp stupendous thought, To line the visions of our dreams With glittering stars of phantasies From distant sky realms rarely caught, Transforming earthly melodies? Or is it to invade some glen Close hidden where a leisure harks Back to the old primeval ways, -- Where no haste wanders from the throng; Just vireos, thrushes, meadow larks Mid scarlet sumac lost in song? Or is it to idealize Some sweaty oaf of the market place, To ploughshare grimy acre plots Disfigured by the mire of age, Endow with a redeeming grace The viper spots of human rage. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ODE TO EVENING by WILLIAM COLLINS (1721-1759) YOU, WHO HAVE SONS TO SPARE! by L. ALLEN BECK |