I am the key that parts the gates of Fame; I am the cloak that covers cowering Shame; I am the final goal of every race; I am the storm-tossed spirit's resting-place. The messenger of sure and swift relief, Welcomed with wailings and reproachful grief, The friend of those that have no friend but me, I break all chains, and set all captives free. I am the cloud that, when earth's day is done, An instant veils an unextinguished sun; I am the brooding hush that follows strife, The waking from a dream that man calls—life. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FOR THE HOLY FAMILY, BY MICHELANGELO (IN THE NATIONAL GALLERY) by DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI THE CHARGE OF THE HEAVY BRIGADE AT BALACLAVA: THE CHARGE by ALFRED TENNYSON VERSES ON MRS. ROWE by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD |