Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TO A PACIFIST FRIEND, by GEORGE SANTAYANA


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO A PACIFIST FRIEND, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: To close the eyes upon a frenzied scene
Last Line: I see with horror as it dares to live.
Subject(s): Pacifism; Peace Movements


To close the eyes upon a frenzied scene
Were a vain solace, whilst that rage endures.
This crazy world is old and full of spleen
And quickly breeds two ills for one it cures.
It will plunge on, till all its treasures burn,
Calling lust reason and ambition law.
Look, mark, and hold your peace. Can madness learn?
Can hot blood hearken to an old man's saw?
Truth like a flood has caught me unawares
In its dark whirlpool -- truth that, ill-divined,
Grudges the wise that mincing love of theirs,
But face to face appals the simple mind.
All that bland death would cancel and forgive
I see with horror as it dares to live.





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