The tree that stands alone -- in majesty Restricted not by crowding mates alarm; Nor in such elegance of life and grace Shall ever eerie souls be found to warm For conquerors only, hold this sacred place. A man's like that, who in his bosom holds The sacred elements of the man supreme: In conquering he conquers first of all His own desires that are of baser mien That he might rise to regal power's call. On land, on sea -- 'tis thus with all of life: Some always hold the tenets for acclaim While others add their beauty, strength, repose To make a fitting background for the scene. But who can say like plaudits go to those As to the ones who stand alone supreme. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TOMORROW by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD MOTHER AND POET; TURIN, AFTER THE NEWS FROM GAETA, 1861 by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING THE CHOIRMASTER'S BURIAL by THOMAS HARDY THE WARDEN OF THE CINQUE PORTS (THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON) by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW THE REAR-GUARD by SIEGFRIED SASSOON THE SOFTNESS OF SYBARIS by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS |