Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE MATERIALIST by LOUISA M. GARY

First Line: MY SOUL MAY GO TO HEAVEN OR TO HELL
Last Line: AND WIN THE JOY THAT YOU DENY ME NOW.

My soul may go to Heaven or to Hell
Or be extinguished like a candle-flame.
So people tell me; but I cannot tell
Which may be right, for none can prove his claim.
I let them argue, struggle, prophesy,
About my soul's continuance or end --
They are so much more exercised than I,
Parson, and atheist, and meddling friend.

But my neglected body, turned again
Back to its elements, may make a part
Of hyacinths ... or wine ... or April rain ...
Perhaps, some tiny atom from my heart
May join with one that once was yours -- somehow,
And win the joy that you deny me now.



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