Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE SOUL'S DEFIANCE, by LAVINIA STONE STODDARD


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE SOUL'S DEFIANCE, by                    
First Line: I said to sorrow's awful storm
Last Line: Shall pass away.
Subject(s): Religion; Soul; Theology


I SAID to Sorrow's awful storm,
That beat against my breast,
Rage on -- thou may'st destroy this form,
And lay it low at rest;
But still the spirit that now brooks
Thy tempest, raging high,
Undaunted on its fury looks
With steadfast eye.

I said to Penury's meagre train,
Come on -- your threats I brave;
My last poor life-drop you may drain,
And crush me to the grave;
Yet still the spirit that endures
Shall mock your force the while,
And meet each cold, cold grasp of yours
With bitter smile.

I said to cold Neglect and Scorn,
Pass on -- I heed you not;
Ye may pursue me till my form
And being are forgot;
Yet still the spirit, which you see
Undaunted by your wiles,
Draws from its own nobility
Its high-born smiles.

I said to Friendship's menaced blow,
Strike deep -- my heart shall bear;
Thou canst but add one bitter woe
To those already there;
Yet still the spirit that sustains
This last severe distress
Shall smile upon its keenest pains,
And scorn redress.

I said to Death's uplifted dart,
Aim sure -- oh, why delay?
Thou wilt not find a fearful heart --
A weak, reluctant prey;
For still the spirit, firm and free,
Unruffled by this last dismay,
Wrapt in its own eternity,
Shall pass away.





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