Here lie the kingdoms of the world, my sons, For all to claim and none at last to keep. This interlude dividing sleep from sleep, This crystal glass through which the bright sand runs Brings each his dawn and each the dark that stuns The subtle brain and stills the proud heart's leap. And those who know their own and make a heap Of that alone become the gifted ones. Here lies all treasure but a man must choose, Lest too much in his grasp should forfeit all; Or make his hoard of greed a shining bar To destiny. Some things you must refuse But pledge yourselves to these beyond recall: One rose, one dream, one woman and one star. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ON AN INTAGLIO HEAD OF MINERVA (1) by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH THE CHOIRMASTER'S BURIAL by THOMAS HARDY TO THE MEN OF KENT by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH SHELLEY'S DEATH by ALFRED AUSTIN TILL THE MIST PASSES by LOUISA SARAH BEVINGTON THE CROSSING AT FREDERICKSBURG by GEORGE HENRY BOKER |