He makes a monument from clay He urges men to throw away. He knots a strangle-net of words To catch and silence singing birds. But he flies free and he grows strong On words that stilled their wing and song. Succor, indeed, he gives an host And pity -- but his own heart most. His deepest need becomes a fear Disguised by ribaldry and sneer -- And so with woman he rudely fights, Envious of higher flights, Desiring under false contempt The secret of her firmament. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...LOVELY CHANCE by SARA TEASDALE THE LAND OF HEART'S DESIRE by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS BEFORE THE RAIN by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH A DREAM, FR. SONGS OF INNOCENCE by WILLIAM BLAKE ROBERT BROWNING by WALTER SAVAGE LANDOR CRADLE SONG AT TWILIGHT by ALICE MEYNELL ARAB LOVE SONG by FRANCIS THOMPSON |