TWO selves I am: unlike these seem to be As west and east: One is the prophet in me, as in thee, And one the priest. The prophet lets the future mould his plan; The priest the past: The prophet marches in the column's van; The priest comes last. The prophet takes the spirit for a guide; The priest his book: One learns the truth that brushes by his side; One does not look. The prophet lifts his heart up when he prays; The priest his hands: The prophet, acting, thinks; the priest obeys, Nor understands. The prophet, preaching, keeps the goal in view; The priest his creed: The prophet stirs; the priest, when words are through, Forgets the deed. Something the prophet suffers—scorn of lip, Or stroke of rod— But gains the vision, wins the fellowship And life of God. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...CLOTHES by JEAN STARR UNTERMEYER THE ANGLER'S SONG by WILLIAM BASSE ON THE EMIGRATION TO AMERICA AND PEOPLING WESTERN COUNTRY by PHILIP FRENEAU ODES IV, 7. TO TORQUATUS. DIFFUGERE NIVES by QUINTUS HORATIUS FLACCUS PHILOMELA by JOHN CROWE RANSOM THE POET'S SHIELD by ARCHILOCHUS |