THE pathway of his mournful life hath wound Beneath a shadow; just beyond it play The genial breezes, and the cool brooks stray Into melodious gushings of sweet sound, Whilst ample floods of mellow sunshine fall Like a mute rain of rapture over all. Oft hath he deemed the spell of darkness lost, And shouted to the dayspring; a full glow Hath rushed to clasp him; but the subtle woe, Unvanquished ever, with the might of frost, Regains its sad realm, and with voice malign Saith to the dawning joy: "This life is mine!" Still smiles the brave soul, undivorced from hope! And, with unwavering eye and warrior mien, Walks in the shadow, dauntless and serene, To test, through hostile years, the utmost scope Of man's endurance -- constant to essay All heights of patience free to feet of clay. Still smiles the brave soul, undivorced from hope! But now, methinks, the pale hope gathers strength; Glad winds invade the silence; streams, at length, Flash through the desert; 'neath the sapphire cope Of deepening heavens he hails a happier day, And the spent shadow mutely wanes away. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...WAR IS KIND: 23 by STEPHEN CRANE WINTER HEAVENS by GEORGE MEREDITH HEAVEN by NANCY WOODBURY PRIEST OUR LADY'S LULLABY by RICHARD ROWLANDS INCIDENT CHARACTERISTIC OF A FAVOURITE DOG by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH WEIGHTS AND MEASURES, BY OUR OWN TOM DALY by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS THE WANDERING JEW by WILLIAM EDMONSTOUNE AYTOUN |