To own ourselves despite conflicting wills Or adverse happening -- O let this be! We think of men who sailed an empty sea, Roamed desert plains and climbed untraversed hills, Braved all that nature holds of hidden ills. We strive to reach the fields where souls are free: To break the spirit's bonds and grasp the key To truth -- for truth destroying but fulfills. Then dare we succor youth's unsanctioned cause, Discard the freedom that becomes a chain, Or welcome knowledge should it pierce us through? The modern proves remote as primal laws. The dreamer finds his venture was not vain. We ask for light ... we ask for strength to do! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...DOMESDAY BOOK: THE JURY DELIBERATES by EDGAR LEE MASTERS MY LOVE'S GUARDIAN ANGEL by WILLIAM BARNES THE BLACK RIDERS: 9 by STEPHEN CRANE GIRL TO SOLDIER ON LEAVE by ISAAC ROSENBERG THE DESPAIRING LOVER by WILLIAM WALSH (1663-1707) AN UNTIMELY THOUGHT by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH |