There are some qualities -- some incorporate things, That have a double life, which thus is made A type of that twin entity which springs From matter and light, evinced in solid and shade. There is a two-fold Silence -- sea and shore -- Body and soul. One dwells in lonely places, Newly with grass o'ergrown; some solemn graces, Some human memories and tearful lore, Render him terrorless: his name's "No More." He is the corporate Silence: dread him not! No power hath he of evil in himself; But should some urgent fate (untimely lot!) Bring thee to meet his shadow (nameless elf, That haunteth the lone regions where hath trod No foot of man,) commend thyself to God! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...HITS AND RUNS by CARL SANDBURG THE SONG OF THE INGENUES by PAUL VERLAINE IN HARBOR by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE THE PROUD MISS MACBRIDE; A LEGEND OF GOTHAM by JOHN GODFREY SAXE HYMN TO CONTENT by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD PSALM 53 by OLD TESTAMENT BIBLE ONCE WE PLAYED by MATHILDE BLIND |