I WHEN from that world ere death and birth He sought the stern descending way, Perfecting on our darkened earth His spirit, citizen of day;— Guessed he the pain, the lonely years,— The thought made true, the will made strong? Divined he from the singing spheres Eternal fragments of his song? II Hoped he from dimness to discern The Source, the Goal, that glances through?— That one should know, and many turn— Turn heavenward, knowing that he knew?— Once more he rises; lulled and still, Hushed to his tune the tideways roll; These waveless heights of evening thrill With voyage of the summoned Soul. III O closing shades that veil and drown The clear-obscure of shore and tree! O star and planet, shimmering down Your sombre glory on the sea! O Soul that yearned to soar and sing, Enamoured of immortal air! Heart that thro' sundering change must cling To dream and memory, sad and fair! IV Sun, star, and space and dark and day Shall vanish in a vaster glow; Souls shall climb fast their age-long way, With all to conquer, all to know: But thou, true Heart! for aye shalt keep Thy loyal faith, thine ancient flame;— Be stilled an hour, and stir from sleep Reborn, re-risen, and yet the same. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...DO YOU FEAR THE WIND? by HAMLIN GARLAND THE SEA AND THE SKYLARK by GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS THE MAN-OF-WAR HAWK by HERMAN MELVILLE THE COLISEUM by EDGAR ALLAN POE OUR LADY'S LULLABY by RICHARD ROWLANDS |