OUT of the earth we came, Into the earth we go: Our aim leaped high like flame, But Time has brought us low. Under the clustered trees Dreams we dreamt a score; By headlands of splendid seas We ravaged and sung and swore. Amid the cities of men We thrilled to Life's various quest; Very far from us then The thought that slumber is best. Sun and moon and stars Lighted us on our way: Happy, we took the scars, Happy, we earned our pay. Light-foot creatures were we, Each bent on his own device; Love or war, par-die, At the throw of the loaded dice. One thing, only one, Utterly passed us by: That when our day was done We must cease, O mates, and die! But out of the earth we come, And into the earth we go; Our shame alike with our fame, Old Time has laid them low. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FROM THE IONIAN ISLANDS by RICHARD MONCKTON MILNES TO A BLOCKHEAD by ALEXANDER POPE ODES: BOOK 1: ODE 4. AFFECTED INDIFFERENCE by MARK AKENSIDE THE KINGS OF THE EAST by KATHARINE LEE BATES WHITE SPIRITUAL by WILLIAM BERRY |